By Matt Browning
Buhler girls soccer coach Randall Rank describes Claudia Taylor as a player with high character and a leader by how hard she works.
To say the least, Taylor is flattered by those remarks.
“These are some of the best types of compliments to receive and will always put a smile on my face,” Taylor said. “It means a lot to me because my goal in life is to be known as someone with great character who also works hard.”
Taylor said her definition of leadership is the ability to influence and guide others to reach a shared goal.
“My approach to leadership is different from most,” Taylor said. “Many of my coaches have described me as a quiet leader who leads with my actions, character, and integrity rather than words alone. Leadership is not always about giving directions; it is about setting an example that influences others to follow.”
According to Taylor, having effective leaders is one key part of a successful athletic program.
“A program with good leadership will almost always have success whether that is big or small,” Taylor said. “I see leadership as a mindset and it only takes one person on the team to influence others.”
The underclassmen at Buhler also view Taylor as a leader, as her basketball teammates voted her as a captain.
“I think and hope that the underclassmen in the programs I am a part of view me in the same way that Coach Rank and many of my other coaches have described me,” Taylor said. “I was voted on by my teammates as a captain of the basketball team this year as a senior which shows not only the underclassman but all of my teammates’ view of my leadership.”
