At 8 years old, junior Taylor Binney did not expect her first basketball tryout to lead her down the path of becoming a tri-varsity athlete at South. Binney has embraced her athletic nature in multiple sports since she could walk, but only three sports have defined her high school career: basketball, lacrosse, and flag football.
Binney began playing basketball 10 years ago at the Glenview Park District after her dad encouraged her to join. The joy she felt during the games led her to pursue basketball at a higher level.
“Basketball is what I’ve always played,” Binney said. “I was excited to play in high school because I [would get] the opportunity to play with different people and coaches.”
Binney’s ability to absorb critiques has made her a more well-rounded and skilled athlete, Scott Nemecek, Girls’ Varsity Basketball Head Coach, said.
“[Binney is] willing to do whatever the team needs her to do,” Nemecek said. “Some people are leaders because they’ve been assigned to be a leader; they need something on their shirt that says ‘captain’. [Binney] isn’t one of those. She’s a natural leader.”
When leisure Park District games manifested into IHSA-level competition, Binney’s thrill from the high-stakes games made her crave more. When her friends asked if she would join lacrosse her freshman year, the answer was a no-brainer for Binney.
“I joined [lacrosse] the middle of freshman year to be with all of my friends and it ended up being something I really enjoyed playing,” Binney said.
During the beginning of Binney’s sophomore year, flag football was introduced at South. For her, it was an opportunity to stay busy and remain active, two things she always prioritizes.
“I like to be busy,” Binney said. “I enjoy playing all three [varsity sports] and I really didn’t want to give up two just to play one. I’ve kept going and it’s been really fun.”
Binney has been no exception to the burden of balance; balancing school, sports, friends, and more. However, having a strong support system by building close bonds with her teammates has helped her overcome the struggle.
“On and off the court, [my teammates] are my best friends,” Binney said.
Junior Currey Godbout has seen each of Taylor’s ups and downs during both flag football and lacrosse. Godbout’s offensive expertise in flag football thrives with Binney’s knowledge of analytical defensive plays under stadium lights. However, lacrosse increased the girls’ time spent together due to their shared defensive positions, welcoming a flourishing friendship.
“I love playing two varsity sports with [Binney],” Godbout said. “She always brings a lot of energy to every sport she is in.”
As busy as Binney likes to be, she knew she had to make some difficult choices during her high school career. During her sophomore year, Binney had to choose between basketball and cheerleading, showing her the painful reality that not all things work out. The same year, Binney twisted her ankle and limped through basketball season. Despite hardships, Binney has persevered with discipline and resilience.
“Being resilient helped me come back from tough moments,” Binney said. “Throughout the season you get tired, [but you] just have to work even harder and keep playing.”
Passionately-positive is the only way to accurately describe Binney, Nemecek said. Her genuine care for her teammates and uplifting spirit have navigated her basketball team through wins and losses, Nemecek said. Binney’s character is displayed during all games throughout each of the three sports’ seasons.
“If [Binney was] mad at me or had a bad day, I would never know it,” Nemecek said. “The sun is always shining with her.”
