"Women can do this, and they can do it at the highest level possible."
-- Diljeet Taylor
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By Olivia Ekpone - MileSplit
After a year of uncertainty, Coach Diljeet Taylor and the BYU women had a sense of gratitude to be able to race against competition again. Any opportunity the Cougars had a chance to step on the track or the cross country course, it was just another opportunity for them to do what they love.
The US Track and Field and Cross Country Association named Taylor as the Mountain Region Women's Coach of the Year. The accolade in her eyes was won by the runners.
"When you're coaching, it's the women who win you the award." -- Diljeet Taylor
A big part of her coaching role is to inspire and empower women.
For Taylor, Women's History Month symbolizes the efforts of other women who created opportunities. Within her culture, it was not common for athletes to compete at the collegiate level and even in general, there weren't many females competing in the sport. Instead, Taylor battled the odds and became an All-American at Cal State Stanislaus in the 800m.
Taylor turned to many role models throughout her collegiate career, and even now as a female track and field coach at the division one level.
She wants to do her part in paving the way for the next generation to do amazing things. It starts by speaking up, empowering females and leading from the front.
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