The Centralia School District has hired Katie Taylor as its new youth sports program director.
In her new role, Taylor will oversee athletic programming at all five elementary schools within the district, working to teach and inspire students to strive for excellence in sports and personal growth, according to the school district.
The funding for this position was made possible by a restructuring of the athletic budget, according to the school district.
“With a strong background in youth basketball development, Katie has earned this position through her exceptional work in building the sport within our school district,” the Centralia School District stated in a news release.
The Centralia School District served 255 elementary students through its youth basketball after school program in 2022, which Taylor has “helped transform … into an essential element of Centralia's athletic program,” the district stated.
Taylor’s primary focus as the youth sports director will be to promote healthy competition and foster the overall wellness of students across all five schools, the district stated.
“She will play a pivotal role in teaching them how to compete ethically, improve their skills, and develop the beginning of our K-12 model. Through her guidance and mentorship, students will have the opportunity to excel not only on the field but also in life,” the Centralia School District said in a news release.
“Centralia’s elementary PE teachers have been collaborating to help support and make sure our K-12 model is successful. They are the foundation of where we are headed!” Taylor said "We plan to provide 5 after school sport programs in the 2023-2024 school year. Track and field, basketball, wiffle ball, volleyball, and a flag football league."
The Centralia School District plans to actively engage with parents and families to build a strong foundation of support and community involvement, the district said in a news release.
“We aim to strengthen the connection between the school, parents, and students by working with programs such as Little League, Centralia Youth Soccer, and various other community programs,” the district stated.
“The district is excited and confident that Katie will continue to elevate the athletic program and instill important values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth among the students. Katie was born and raised in Centralia, and she has always been determined to give back to her community,” the district stated in a news release.
“Centralia athletics instilled so many core values that I still use today,” Taylor said, later adding that her job is to be “the bridge for our community and Centralia School District so we can work together to provide opportunities that our youth deserve."
