Raising a Star Female Athlete

What does it take to raise a female athlete into a fine young woman who is confident, excels in school and athletics? Ramon Turnbow, mother of Taylor Turnbow, shines every time you mention her daughter. Taylor is a 6'2" sophomore forward on LSU's women's basketball team. She grew up in a single parent household in GA and worked hard to beat the odds of becoming an elite athlete. So I sat down with Ramon and asked her a few questions about her daughter, LSU's team and what the future holds.

How did Taylor get hooked on basketball?

Taylor started playing recreational basketball at the local level at age 10. The coach needed someone tall and I said "she's definitely tall, and we can see if she can play ball." She picked up the skill she needed within a few months.

Sports has played a very important role in her life. She did not have the traditional physical education in school. So a consistent, rigorous exercise program, focus and structural discipline wasn't in place prior to basketball. Involvement in sports teaches valuable life lessons, and I'm very grateful for all the support we had over these years. She has developed into a fine young lady and I'm confident that she will become a very productive and successful contributor to the world.

What's next for Taylor?

Taylor would like to advance to the next level of play. She was invited to the USA Olympic Trials out of high school and one of her goals is to return to the trials and make the team. She would also like to play in the WNBA or Internationally after graduating. In addition, Taylor is studying Sports Administration and would like to coach in the future.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

I am so very proud of Taylor and all that she has accomplished. She has become a star athlete at every level. There are so many memories I'll never forget sharing with her. My most favorite memory is when Taylor told "Hall of Fame Head Coach" Van Chancellor that she would love to play for him at LSU. I'll never forget how proud I was of her at that moment.

In closing I'd like to send a "shout out" to Taylor Turnbow #35! She is a sophomore and has played in all of their 18 games, and started in 17 games. She has scored an average of 6.9 points per game, is #2 in rebounds with 5.3 per game and #2 with blocked shots.

Geaux Tigers!

It was a great, rewarding, tiring, hard, tearful, joyous, explosive experience raising a Star Female Athlete, and I would do it all again without hesitation.

View MarieS's Profile

• Filed Under:  
• Basketball, Sports, SportsPLUS, Family/Parenting, Student-Athlete, W College Hoops