Taylor Jackson is in the midst of a historic playing career for the Friends University women's basketball program.

After all, the 6'3" senior forward from Houston, Texas is the school's all-time modern-era leader in blocks and rebounds and currently ranks second all-time in scoring.

However, Jackson is quick to point out how vital the support of the Friends University Athletic Department has been on her athletic journey.

"I feel like the staff here has been very great," Jackson said. "I've seen a lot of love throughout all the staff. I love the training room, and I'm in there the majority of the time. They make sure we take good care of our bodies, and they really love what they do. I feel like that makes it a lot better."

Jackson also acknowledges the support of her head coach, Dean Jaderston, and appreciates the strong relationship they have built over the years.

"I feel like with any relationship, it has its hardships and it has its good times, and our relationship is no different," Jackson said. "He's like a father figure and gives good advice. We're very much on the same page about a lot of things. I'm able to talk to him about basketball, different ideas on how I see the team, and how I think I can improve the team. It's a very good dynamic."

Finding the Perfect Fit

Jackson's powerful presence in the paint has been felt at Friends since day one when she earned KCAC Freshman of the Year honors for the 2021-22 season.

For Jackson, the decision to attend Friends was based on both the basketball and academic opportunities that the university provided.

"I knew I wanted to do something that involved my major, and I wanted to work in animal science and further that degree," Jackson said. "When I found out that Friends had a zoo science program, it intrigued me because I wanted to work with exotic animals, not just regular dogs and cats. So the major played a big part, and compared to my other offers I had, this one was closer in distance. So it worked out that sometimes my family is able to come to some of my games."

From a basketball standpoint, the four-year standout has loved every minute of her time at Friends and is grateful that she came to the university.

"It feels like four years haven't even passed by, but now that I'm here in my senior year and reflecting back on my time, it feels like every year was a different team," Jackson said. "Just being able to grow as a person, individual, and basketball player, these past four years have been great. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to still be playing basketball and to be healthy at that."

Leaving a Legacy

Jackson has certainly made the most of her time at Friends and hopes that she has left a lasting imprint on the women's basketball program.

"I feel so blessed and honored to be able to hold a record at Friends," Jackson said. "It's crazy to think that every time I block a shot or get a rebound, it just increases the record number, so I'm very honored."

As Jackson continues to add to her historic totals in this her senior season, she wants to use her time at Friends as an example to show others what hard work and dedication can accomplish.

"I'm just very blessed," she said. "Looking back on it, if I do come back and show my kids, I can say, 'Your mom did this. She worked hard. If you work hard, you're able to accomplish things in life.'"

Finishing on Top

With Jackson and the Falcons now currently in the heart of the 2024-25 season, she and her teammates have set the bar high and are aiming for the ultimate prize of a KCAC championship.

"We want the team to do the very best that we can do," she said. "Our goal is to win the KCAC championship and go all the way to Sioux City (Iowa) for the NAIA National Championship Tournament. That's never been a question in my mind or Coach Jaderston's mind, so we're very much on the same page about that."

Regardless of what happens the rest of the way, Jackson is appreciative of the growth she has experienced during her time at Friends.

"My main takeaway from being at Friends is that I feel like, for me in particular, God sent me here to allow me to grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically," Jackson said. "When I came here, I thought I knew who I was, but I was able to mature and grow and to really find out and build a relationship with myself and God. I've loved my time at Friends, and it's sadly my time to sign out, but I love everyone that has supported me on my journey."