“Energy is a choice. So is love.”
That was the heartbeat of Coach Audrey Taylor’s message this winter as she visited two high schools to pour into the next generation of young women.
In a world where athletes are constantly navigating the pressure to perform, social media noise, and the everyday emotional highs and lows of being a teen—Coach Audrey showed up with truth and love.
She didn’t bring a lecture.
She brought a reminder: You have power in how you show up.
During her talk, she encouraged athletes to be intentional with their energy—to bring something that lifts themselves and their teammates. “It’s not just about talent,” she said. “It’s about the vibe you bring to the gym. It’s about being accountable for how you walk into practice and how you respond to hard moments.”
And then she hit them with the challenge: “Choose love.”
Not the soft, fluffy kind. But the gritty kind. The kind that shows up when things get hard. The kind that gives grace when you miss the mark. The kind that says I can work hard, have fun, and still believe in my purpose.
Coach Audrey reminded them that love is a leadership tool. It’s a discipline. It’s a mindset that says,…
I believe in the process, and I’m going to give it my all—even when nobody’s watching.
What Students Said
After our visit, the team coach had their athlete take time to reflect and write handwritten notes back to Coach Audrey. The themes were consistent: “You made me think.” “I’m Inspired.” “Thank you for your energy”
These weren’t just motivational talks—they were moments of truth, healing, and redirection.
Why It Matters
At Passion 4 Youth, we believe in empowering young people beyond the scoreboard. That means helping them build emotional strength, self-awareness, and the confidence to lead from within.
Coach Audrey’s winter visits were a living example of what it looks like to mentor the whole athlete: mind, body, and spirit.
So here’s your reminder—whether you’re a coach, parent, or player: You can choose love today.
In how you lead; In how you listen; In how you show up.
🎥 Watch ‘West Caldwell’ highlight video
🎥 Watch ‘Demarest HS’ highlight video
Let’s keep choosing love. Let’s keep building the next generation—one intentional moment at a time.