Tristen Taylor, Class of 2027, received this distinguished honor for the 2025–2026 season because of her selfless leadership on and off the court. 

Tristen Taylor realized Temple was the right fit after a single phone call.

As a prospective point guard for the women’s basketball team, Taylor felt supported from the jump and committed on the spot.

“I felt loved after that first call with Temple’s coaching staff,” she said. “I was overlooked because of my height (at 5 feet, 5 inches), but they saw how I played and didn’t care about my size. From the beginning, the coaches have had trust and confidence in me.”

Now in her third year on the team, Taylor has been named a Kay Yow Servant Leader for the 2025–2026 season after being nominated by her coaches.

“It is truly an honor to have a student-athlete so deeply committed to serving our communities,” Head Coach Diane Richardson told Owl Sports. “Tristen has consistently demonstrated exceptional servant leadership, and we are incredibly proud to see her nationally recognized with the Kay Yow Servant Leadership Award. Kay Yow inspired countless individuals, and her legacy continues through student-athletes like Tristen. She represents our program and Temple University with great pride and integrity.”

This distinguished honor for NCAA women’s basketball student-athletes recognizes those who embody Coach Yow’s core values of servant leadership, selflessness and unwavering commitment. Yow was a legendary women’s college basketball coach who bravely battled breast cancer for 22 years while influencing others to create change.

“This award means a lot because it’s important to me to be a good person all around,” said Taylor, who’s from Dallas.

She also credits the support she’s received from her family. “They’ve always given me love and encouragement,” she said. “They’re my reason and what motivates me every day.”

On the court, Taylor continues to elevate her game. In November, she scored a season high of 19 points against George Mason and dished eight assists versus George Washington. 

Her time on the team has instilled self-confidence. “I’ve learned that confidence will carry you through life,” she said. “Confidence can determine everything from your performance to your daily routine.”

Off the court, Taylor is studying management information systems and aspires to become a software or cybersecurity engineer. “I love my major and have always had strong technology skills, which I’ve been able to hone.”

Since arriving at Temple, Taylor has found that her expectations from her initial phone call have matched what she’s experienced as a student-athlete at the university. And she hopes receiving the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award further cements her character.

“I’d like people to know that Tristen isn’t just a great player on the court; she treats people with respect off the court and is trustworthy and loyal. That’s what I want them to remember.”