Rookie Sydney Taylor went from being an undrafted rookie to starting in the Chicago Sky’s lineup. Already averaging 13.5 pts per game, Taylor had her breakout performance when she recorded a career-high 30-points in just 21 minutes against the Indiana Fever on June 11. That accomplishment made her the second WNBA player in league history to score at least 30 points in 21 or fewer minutes.
The 5-foot-9 guard also recently reached the 300-career point milestone against the Los Angeles Sparks on July 17, and is continuing to prove why she deserves her spot on the floor.
MTMV Sports had the opportunity to catch up with Taylor ahead of her matchup against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Arena to get to know the rookie’s mindset throughout her journey, off-the-court enjoyments and her adjustment to her Chicago team.
MTMV Sports: So, we heard the story about you being an undrafted free agent and how you’re now starting for the Chicago Sky. What is something about that story that people don’t realize, and something that you want them to take away from that?
Sydney Taylor: That I grinded hard for two years overseas. I put in a lot of work behind the scenes, behind the cameras. Countless hours in the gym after even being turned down and going undrafted. So I think that’s really tough. A lot of people don’t realize how much that takes to get back up and keep trying to pursue your goals.
MTMV Sports: And what helped you? I know you mentioned that you had to journal and that you did a bit of writing a little bit. Is that something that you still do to this day? And how much did that help you with your journey?
Sydney Taylor: Yeah, I journal. Not as much, but I still journal a little bit. But just my confidence, the confidence my trainer, my family, my friends have in me, and telling me to keep getting up and keep pushing.
MTMV Sports: What started basketball for you? Who first put the basketball in your hands? What was that conversation like? I know you said you did soccer, and you did a little bit of gymnastics.
Sydney Taylor: I think my dad. I don’t really remember, but I come from a very athletic family and found a love for basketball at an early age. And here I am.
MTMV Sports: You also played in the EuroLeague in Poland. Tell me about that experience, just adjusting there and just kind of getting in tune with things down there.
Sydney Taylor: Definitely an adjustment culture-wise, language barrier-wise. You go everywhere, you’re stared at. So it’s definitely an adjustment. It’s not easy. You’re away from family and friends. But it makes you really appreciate the game of basketball, and I think I really took that away from it. I’m grateful for my time overseas, and I’m going back overseas. So I like it.
MTMV Sports: Nice. How has it been starting for Chicago and just being in the team’s culture in general? How have the teammates been, the locker room, all of that?
Sydney Taylor: Everyone’s been really supportive, really good. We’ve been through a lot of adversity, a lot of injuries, a lot of just ups and downs this year. But everyone’s been really supportive. Our locker room is great vibes, great energy, so I can’t thank them enough for that.
MTMV Sports: You mentioned y’all have been through a lot of ups and downs, like you said, injuries, all of that has been setbacks. But y’all also found ways to push forward. How are those conversations looking like to get through those humps and just kind of build together as a team moving forward?
Sydney Taylor: Just sit down, talk about what we need to correct. We’ve lost a couple of easy games down the stretch that we definitely could have taken the win. So just tone in on that, being poised down the stretch, being confident in one another, and having each other’s backs.
MTMV Sports: Is there anybody you talk to or turn to for advice outside of the court as well?
Sydney Taylor: Friends, families, trainers, everyone!
MTMV Sports: Nice. And some little rapid-fire questions. What has been a highlight of your season so far?
Sydney Taylor: Um, my first career points in Phoenix.
MTMV Sports: What is your favorite thing to do outside of the court to kind of get your mind off the game for a little while?
Sydney Taylor: Music, journaling, trying new restaurants, coffee shops. I love to shop as well.
MTMV Sports: Do you have a favorite coffee shop?
Sydney Taylor: Starbucks is always consistent, but I like trying other places as well.
MTMV Sports: What’s your coffee order?
Sydney Taylor: Uh, Iced white mocha with caramel syrup and… almond milk.
MTMV Sports: Also, do you have a favorite player of all time?
Sydney Taylor: Kobe Bryant and Kyrie Irving. And Maya Moore as well for the girls’ side, of course.
MTMV Sports: What are your top three goals for the rest of the season, and also the year in general?
Sydney Taylor: Go on a little streak here and win games, that would be really nice. Enjoy my time, that’s really it.
(This transcript has been lightly edited for filler words, length, and clarity.)
