Born: 1981 (Melbourne, Victoria)
Biography:
Penelope Jane Taylor, born on May 24, 1981, in Melbourne, Victoria, is an Australian retired professional basketball player and assistant coach. Over the course of her 19-year career, Taylor made a significant impact in the world of basketball. She spent the majority of her career with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, where she achieved great success, winning three championships. Additionally, she won the WNBL title with her first club, the Australian Institute of Sport, and also played in China, Italy, Turkey, and Russia.
Taylor’s basketball journey began at a young age when her parents, Michael Taylor and Denna Noble, enrolled her in the Belgrave South Red Devils basketball club when she was just four years old. This early introduction to the sport not only helped Taylor develop her skills but also allowed her to overcome her shyness. She later moved on to the Nunawading Spectres and attended Upwey High School in Upwey, Victoria.
After graduating, Taylor earned a scholarship to the prestigious Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Her time at the institute undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping her into the talented player she would become. It was during this period that Taylor’s passion and dedication to basketball truly shone through.
Taylor made her debut in the Women’s National Basketball League with the Australian Institute of Sport in the 1997-1998 season. She quickly made an impact, and the following season, her team emerged as the WNBL champions. After her time with the AIS, Taylor joined the Dandenong Rangers from 1999 to 2002. During the 2000-2001 season, she showcased her incredible scoring ability, leading the league with an average of 25.5 points per game. As a result, Taylor was named the WNBL MVP in that season and the next.
Following her success in the Australian league, Taylor embarked on a professional career in the WNBA. She was chosen by the Cleveland Rockers as the 11th overall pick in the first round of the annual WNBA draft in April 2001. Taylor spent three seasons with the Rockers before a dispersal draft in January 2004 resulted in her selection as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury. It was in Phoenix where Taylor would truly make her mark and establish herself as one of the league’s most formidable players.
One of Taylor’s notable achievements in the WNBA came in July 2007 when she was selected as a reserve for the WNBA All-Star game. This recognition further solidified her status as one of the league’s elite players. Throughout her WNBA career, Taylor consistently displayed her skills and contributed significantly to the success of her teams.
In addition to her accomplishments in club basketball, Taylor also represented Australia on the international stage. As part of the Australian women’s national team, known as the Australian Opals, she achieved remarkable success. Taylor won two Olympic medals, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Furthermore, she played a vital role in leading the Australian Opals to a gold medal at the World Championships and was awarded the tournament MVP, surpassing her teammate Lauren Jackson.
Taylor’s role in women’s history cannot be understated. She not only excelled as a player but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially young girls who aspire to play basketball. Her dedication and perseverance in the face of challenges serve as a reminder of the importance of hard work and determination.
After retiring from professional basketball, Taylor transitioned into the role of an assistant coach. Her wealth of experience and knowledge made her a valuable asset to the teams she worked with. Taylor’s contributions to the sport extended beyond her playing years, further solidifying her legacy in the basketball community.
Awards:
– WNBL MVP (2000-01, 2001-02)
– WNBA All-Star Game reserve (2007)
– Olympic medals (2)
– Tournament MVP at the World Championships