Tucker Taylor’s plan after college graduation did not include coaching.
The 2003 Brighton High School graduate served time in the military and worked in sales for about 15 years before he decided he was ready to do something different.
He became a teacher and when an assistant coaching job opened up last spring at Covington, he took it.
After longtime head coach Justus Cousar stepped down after last season, he applied for the head job and was hired on June 23.
Last season was Taylor’s first as a softball coach, but he believes he’s ready to lead one of the most successful sports programs in Tipton County.
His first course of action will be to make sure his players are focused on team dynamics and community involvement.
“I’m going to make sure we are a community-centered program,” said Taylor, who is 38. “I want us to unite the community and for the girls to get out in the community. I want to build that family atmosphere.”
Covington has been to the state tournament 22 times, most recently in 2021, and made the title game four times.
For now, Taylor is focused in development.
“We’re going to focus on conditioning, practice and instilling mental discipline,” Taylor said. “Mental toughness is going to be involved in everything we do.”
