What do you get when you combine intelligence, athleticism, a philanthropic spirit, height, a genuine love of sports, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism, a writer, great energy and a talent for talking to people on and off air? You get ‘Talented Tallista’ Maria Taylor, an ESPN SEC college sports reporter/analyst and cofounder of the Winning Edge Leadership Academy (link below), an academy that focuses on mentorship and targets students that have an interest in sports business careers with limited awareness and access to enrichment opportunities in their field of study.

I recently had an opportunity to speak with Maria Taylor. During our conversation we discussed everything from college to her career and her experience as a tall woman. Scroll down for highlights from the interview.

“Your network is truly a reflection of your net worth” – Maria Taylor

The Journey to Journalism:
Maria, born in Alpharetta, Georgia, raised in Flossmoor, Illinois (near Chicago) and Alpharetta, is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she studied journalism and played both volleyball and basketball.


When we spoke about school Maria said, “I originally wanted to be a team doctor but I hated biology.” She changed her major to business before being inspired by her roommate, teammate, and bestie Anjelica Partridge. Angelica encouraged Maria to take an intro to communications course her junior year in college. She took the course, loved it and never looked back.

Maria’s collegiate decision led to a career in sports journalism. It started with her internship in Atlanta with Fox Sports South. She drove to Atlanta twice a week for what she called “grunt work” where she did things like labeling tapes. While the work was typical ‘internship work’ Maria talked about the door it opened for her. She said, “I became friends with the camera crew so they would call me to go on different shoots and games.” She met people like Dominique Wilkins, a University of Georgia graduate, and shadowed women commentators. Maria learned a powerful lesson in the value of networking. A valuable lesson she shares with college students that take part in her career mentorship program, the Winning Edge Leadership Academy. In Maria’s words, “ I want them to learn the value of networking. Your network is truly a reflection of your net worth.”

Maria is now an ESPN reporter and analyst where she covers men and women college sports. We’re talking basketball, football, baseball, softball, swimming, etc.  While she covers a number of sports she did share her top 3 fave. She said, “I love sports all around but if I had to pick my top 3 favorites I would say volleyball, basketball and football, in that order. I became a football fan when I attended the University of Georgia.”


Prior to this role Maria was a sideline reporter for ESPN, as well as a sports host and reporter for the University of Georgia athletic association.

When asked what she enjoys most about her job Maria shared the following. “”I enjoy traveling and getting to meet new people, being back around the game, and I enjoy speaking to teams about my experience as a collegiate athlete.” She also added, “No work day is ever the same. Even when I’m tired once I get started I forget that I’m working.”

The TALL Experience:
Standing at 6’2″ Maria is confident and embraces her height. This comes as no surprise. Maria’s father is 6’7″, her brother is 6’7 and her baby sister is 6’1.”  While her mother is only 5’7″ she is a strong source of Maria’s confidence.

On TALL District we often discuss the impact mothers have on their tall daughters. Maria’s mom taught her to love herself and embrace her height. Even with those words of encouragement and love Maria’s confidence dipped when she grew taller than her mother. She said, “I remember people asking me questions like how’s the weather up there.” Luckily her mothers persistence paid off. She would give Maria clippings of articles about tall women, enrolled her in various team sports like AAU volleyball and basketball,
and did things like tell her that she was beautiful and that her height was an asset.

When asked whether sports gave her a sense of normalcy Maria responded, ” Yes, playing sports gave me confidence to be my best me.” To that I say, mothers, never underestimate your power. She also shared words of wisdom for young Tallistas. Maria says, “Be daring. It’s a blessing to be tall. Be daring. Don’t hide behind it. It (height) will become an asset. Use it to your advantage.”

Maria’s favorite places to ‘Shop TALL’:
1. Buckle – 37″ jeans
2. Nordstrom Rack – Jeans and shoes (size 11)
3. BCBG – Shoes
4. Payless – her go to place when she was in college before she found out about Nordstrom Rack
5. Express – Jackets (great for sideline interviews)

P.S. – She has a sneaker closet. #goals

The Here and Now:
Winning Edge Leadership Academy
Description: The Winning Edge Leadership Academy is a career mentorship program for college women and minorities. The academy exposes the students to a variety of people and opportunities in sports business, provides field experience, mentors, and assists students with finding experiences.
For more information contact: Corinne Milien,  [email protected]
Founders: Maria Taylor and Corinne Milien

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVHWZS4oDoc&ebc=ANyPxKrN5Ey4VWQLCpDw6VEDNf36xHa7wdgUuxPonPXjLQHErQZIGdbX8Xg6wgYHV0lRIjaok4Asb6eCKtDA3n_u7SaCxBzelA

Upcoming Event:
ESPN Podcast 
Beyond the Lights
Host: Maria Taylor & Marcus Spears
Purpose: #BLT is Roadtripping: CIAA Tournament
Date: Live this Friday, 1/26/16
Location: Charlotte, NC
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm EST

Maria’s Social Media Footprint:
Instagram = MariaTaylor7
Twitter = MariaTaylor7
Snapchat = irepzone7
MariaTV = click here

Do you have any questions for Maria. Drop a line in the comment section.

TALL Blessings,
J. Enovy

TALL District
Founder
www.TALLDistrict.com
Your Go To Source for All Things TALL

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