Coach Kenneth Taylor begins his 20th season as the head coach of the Albany State University women’s track and field team. He is also entering his 18th season as the head coach for the women’s cross-country team and the men’s track & field program. Throughout his tenure, he has continued a legacy of excellence, discipline, and championship tradition within the Golden Rams athletics program.
Taylor’s connection with Albany State University began in 1998, when he started as a part-time volunteer assistant coach under legendary head coach Willie Laster. Between 1998 and 2005, Taylor was instrumental in helping the women’s team rewrite the record books — contributing to several SIAC Cross Country and Track & Field Championships, multiple school records, and the development of nationally recognized athletes. Among them was Lavern Spencer, who became an NCAA National Champion in the high jump, while several others earned All-American honors at the NCAA Division II National Championships.
In 2006, Taylor took over as head coach of the women’s track & field team, continuing the program’s tradition of excellence. Two years later, in 2008, he was named head coach of both the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field teams, where he implemented a culture of discipline, focus, and long-term development. His leadership has yielded tremendous results across both programs.
Under Taylor’s direction:
- The men’s team won the 2014 SIAC Track & Field Championship, their first since 2004.
- The women’s track & field team has claimed 8 of the last 11 SIAC Track & Field Championships.
- The women’s cross-country team has captured 8 of the last 13 SIAC Cross Country titles.
His sustained success has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple SIAC Coach of the Year honors in both track & field and cross country. Taylor has also received regional coaching awards presented at the NCAA Division II National Championships, a testament to his impact and reputation at the national level.
Beyond wins and titles, Coach Taylor is known for his unwavering commitment to student-athlete development, instilling in his athletes the values of accountability, resilience, and excellence both on and off the track. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only performance but also academic achievement and character building, preparing student-athletes for success in life well beyond competition.
Upon earning his degree, Taylor was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, where he served with distinction on active duty. Even while fulfilling military responsibilities, his passion for track & field never wavered. Taylor continued to both compete and coach during his military career. After years of active duty, he transitioned into Army
Reserve status and began a successful civilian career with Procter & Gamble, where he served for 25 years as a process engineer in various management roles. His work took him across the country, and wherever he relocated, Taylor found ways to stay involved in the sport, mentoring and coaching athletes from youth levels to the collegiate stage.
A native of Texas, Taylor attended Prairie View A&M University, where he majored in Electrical Engineering while competing as a dual-sport athlete in cross country and track & field. During his collegiate career, he earned conference honors through consistent performances at SWAC Championships and qualified for multiple NAIA Track & Field National Championships. Taylor’s elite skill and dedication culminated in two Indoor All-American honors, highlighting his impact on the national stage.
Coach Taylor was married to the late Dr. Carolyn Taylor, a beloved educator and partner in his journey. Together, they raised two children: Myasha Taylor, who resides in Henry County, Georgia, and Kenneth Taylor, Jr., who lives in Melbourne, Florida.
