Nation Ford High School has turned to a familiar face to lead its girls’ tennis program, officially naming former standout Sarah Taylor as the new head coach of the Falcons.
Taylor returns to the program where her high school career began, bringing a decorated resume as both an elite player and an award-winning coach within the region. After a successful stint at Northwestern High School, Taylor is set to take over a program she once helped lead to a region title as a student-athlete.
A Homecoming for a Local Icon
For Taylor, the move to Nation Ford is a full-circle moment. She was a foundational piece of the Falcons’ varsity lineup before finishing her high school career at Catawba Ridge.
“I played my 7th-9th grade years on varsity at Nation Ford,” Taylor said. “I went undefeated my 9th grade year and clinched the 2018 region championship tiebreaker that year. I played at Catawba Ridge my 10th-12th grade years where I was their first-ever #1 player and earned Region Player of the Year two of those years, going undefeated in the region. I was also a North-South All-Star my senior year.”
Following her high school career, Taylor transitioned to the collegiate ranks at Mars Hill University, further sharpening the competitive edge she now brings to the coaching ranks.
Proven Championship Pedigree
Taylor arrives at Nation Ford with a reputation for rapid program improvement. During her time at Northwestern High School, she quickly established herself as one of the top tactical minds in the state.
“I began coaching at Northwestern in the fall of 2024,” Taylor noted. “I have coached two girls’ seasons and one boys’ season. In the fall of 2025, I led the Northwestern girls to their first playoff appearance in four years. I was also the 2025 5A Region Coach of the Year.”
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Taylor is seen as a major win for Nation Ford, as the program looks to re-establish itself as a dominant force in the region. Her deep ties to the Fort Mill tennis community and her recent success in building a playoff contender at Northwestern have Falcons fans optimistic about the upcoming season.
Taylor is expected to begin her tenure immediately, overseeing summer workouts and preparations for the Fall 2026 campaign.
