Temple University Athletics
Taylor Finds Inspiration in the Fight for Justice in a Player Who Stepped Off the Court
2.17.21 | Women's Basketball
"I measure success by asking, 'Am I living out my purpose?'"
Â
That is the question Maya Moore wrote in her Player's Tribune letter from February 2, 2019. In the letter Moore surprised the world by announcing she was stepping away from basketball. At the time Moore was healthy and injury free. However, she decided during that time to switch her focus and to fight for the release of a wrongfully convicted man, Johnathon Irons.
Â
"For her to stop playing basketball and to try to help someone else, to try to help a Black man she felt was wrongfully convicted; I think it just shows that you're more than just an athlete," Temple University women's basketball center, Shantay Taylor said. "Seeing her accomplish stuff outside of basketball just lets me know that I can do the same thing. I don't have to just limit myself to just being a basketball player. I can do more."
Â
For Taylor, looking up to Moore is about more than her dominance on the court; it is about the fact that Moore proves that an athlete can affect change beyond their time playing. Moore's willingness to speak out against injustice is something Taylor aims to do in her own life.
Â
"Before I would be one of those who limited myself to just being an athlete because I would think that social justice is something I shouldn't be talking about or people wouldn't want us to talk about it because we're athletes," Taylor said.
Â
Highlighting those who are speaking up about injustices in the Black Community is something Taylor feels is part of the importance of Black History Month.
Â
"I think it means a lot to not only show what people did for us but with current times showing what people are doing with the fight for social justice, and just bringing light to all the people who've been standing up and been fighting for how the next generation is going to play out," Taylor said.
Â
Taylor aims to continue to speak out as Moore has. It is that legacy of standing up against injustice that Taylor hopes to leave to the next generation.
Â
"I think it's important to keep letting the younger generation know that they can express themselves. Just by spreading light and controlling the things around you first, and then moving onto bigger things," Taylor said. "Be brave and don't let someone talk down to you. Don't be afraid to express yourself or if you feel as if a certain topic or something needs to be brought to light then don't be afraid to do it. Don't be afraid to get criticized."
Â
Â
Â
That is the question Maya Moore wrote in her Player's Tribune letter from February 2, 2019. In the letter Moore surprised the world by announcing she was stepping away from basketball. At the time Moore was healthy and injury free. However, she decided during that time to switch her focus and to fight for the release of a wrongfully convicted man, Johnathon Irons.
Â
"For her to stop playing basketball and to try to help someone else, to try to help a Black man she felt was wrongfully convicted; I think it just shows that you're more than just an athlete," Temple University women's basketball center, Shantay Taylor said. "Seeing her accomplish stuff outside of basketball just lets me know that I can do the same thing. I don't have to just limit myself to just being a basketball player. I can do more."
Â
For Taylor, looking up to Moore is about more than her dominance on the court; it is about the fact that Moore proves that an athlete can affect change beyond their time playing. Moore's willingness to speak out against injustice is something Taylor aims to do in her own life.
Â
"Before I would be one of those who limited myself to just being an athlete because I would think that social justice is something I shouldn't be talking about or people wouldn't want us to talk about it because we're athletes," Taylor said.
Â
Highlighting those who are speaking up about injustices in the Black Community is something Taylor feels is part of the importance of Black History Month.
Â
"I think it means a lot to not only show what people did for us but with current times showing what people are doing with the fight for social justice, and just bringing light to all the people who've been standing up and been fighting for how the next generation is going to play out," Taylor said.
Â
Taylor aims to continue to speak out as Moore has. It is that legacy of standing up against injustice that Taylor hopes to leave to the next generation.
Â
"I think it's important to keep letting the younger generation know that they can express themselves. Just by spreading light and controlling the things around you first, and then moving onto bigger things," Taylor said. "Be brave and don't let someone talk down to you. Don't be afraid to express yourself or if you feel as if a certain topic or something needs to be brought to light then don't be afraid to do it. Don't be afraid to get criticized."
Â
Â
Players Mentioned
C
/ Women's BasketballPress Conf. vs. Charlotte
Saturday, January 24
Ep. 32: Faculty Athletics Representative & Temple Professor Dr. Elizabeth Taylor
Friday, January 23
Press Conf. vs. USF
Tuesday, January 20
Ep. 31: Gymnastics Student-Athlete Megan White
Tuesday, January 20
