Taylor Pilot Joins Macalester Women’s Basketball as Assistant Coach
In a big move for the Macalester College women’s basketball team, head coach AD Donovan just brought Taylor Pilot on board as the new Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach.
Pilot played under Donovan at Division II Alaska Fairbanks and brings a ton of experience, plus a competitive edge that’s bound to shake things up for the Scots.
With a strong track record both on and off the court, Pilot’s arrival feels like a smart step toward building a tougher, more successful team.
Meet Taylor Pilot: From Player to Coach
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Taylor Pilot’s path to assistant coach at Macalester College really says a lot about her drive and love for basketball.
Last season, she played for Coach Donovan at Alaska Fairbanks, where she averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game across 23 games.
Pilot led the Nanooks in assists, which shows her knack for reading the game and boosting her teammates.
Her Playing Career
Before Alaska Fairbanks, Pilot spent three seasons at California State – Stanislaus in Turlock, California.
She played 76 games, scored 508 points, and racked up 220 assists.
She picked up honors like All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and Academic All-District, along with making the CCAA All-Academic team.
These awards highlight her commitment to both her sport and her studies, which isn’t always easy to balance.
Coaching Experience
Pilot started coaching early, spending four years as a summer camp coach at CSU-Stanislaus.
That time helped her shape her approach to coaching, something she’s bringing with her to Macalester.
She’s got a Bachelor’s in business administration and an MBA in general management, which gives her some extra tools to guide and support the team.
The Impact of Coach AD Donovan
Coach AD Donovan has played a huge role in Taylor Pilot’s growth.
Pilot says she’s lucky to have learned under Donovan’s leadership, both on the court and beyond it.
This mentorship has shaped how Pilot approaches coaching, with a focus on resilience, confidence, and building real connections.
Building a Program Rooted in Resilience
Donovan wants the Macalester women’s basketball program to be all about resilience.
Pilot’s experience as a high-level point guard and her deep understanding of the game make her a huge asset here.
She leads by example, and her competitive fire is likely to push the team to dig deep and aim higher.
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Emphasizing Confidence and Connection
Pilot’s coaching style centers on building confidence and strong bonds between players.
She knows basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a way for players to grow and change as people.
Her time as a starter, plus her battles with injuries, have shaped her into a coach who really gets what her athletes go through.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Macalester Women’s Basketball
With Taylor Pilot joining the staff, there’s a real sense of optimism about where Macalester women’s basketball is headed.
She’s all about helping players believe in themselves, compete with heart, and go after greatness every single day.
Mentorship for Point Guards
Pilot will focus on mentoring the team’s point guards—a role she knows inside and out.
Her background gives her unique insight, and she’ll work closely with them to sharpen their skills and leadership on the floor.
A Holistic Approach to Coaching
Pilot takes a big-picture approach to coaching, caring about both the athletic and personal development of her players.
She’s committed to showing up, listening, and guiding her team, whether they’re on the court or off it.
This attitude is bound to help create a supportive, empowering environment for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Macalester College just brought Taylor Pilot on board as the new Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach. That’s a pretty exciting move for the program, honestly.
Taylor brings a solid background in both playing and coaching. She’s passionate about building resilience, confidence, and real connections with the team.
With her stepping in, it feels like the Scots have a good shot at reaching their goals. Maybe even building something lasting—who knows?
If you want more details about Taylor Pilot’s journey to Macalester, check out the full announcement here.