Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Taylor always had a strong connection to family, particularly her older brother with autism. It was those early experiences, attending doctor’s appointments with her brother and witnessing the impact of compassionate care, that planted the seed for her future career.
“I picked a career that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the background in which I was raised,” she said. “I wanted to serve as an advocate for my family and others like us.”
Taylor originally chose Marshall because it was close to home and offered her the unique opportunity to play Division I basketball while pursuing a rigorous academic path in biomechanics, with minors in chemistry and pre-med. She not only earned her undergraduate degree in May 2021 but also managed to complete a five-year program in just four years, while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics.
“Balancing basketball and pre-med was definitely a challenge,” Taylor admitted. “But I’m a firm believer that dedication will supersede any challenge one might face.”
One of the most defining moments of her athletic career came on senior night, when Marshall upset the top-ranked team in Conference USA. “We defeated Rice, the number one team in the conference, and it was my last game in the Cam,” she recalled. “That moment was unforgettable.”
But Taylor’s journey didn’t end with a buzzer-beater. During her senior year, she was also navigating the complex and competitive process of applying to medical school, while studying for the MCAT and playing basketball in the middle of a pandemic. As a first-generation physician, she faced obstacles but remained focused on her goals.
Now, as a third-year medical student at Marshall’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Taylor is setting her sights on a career in emergency medicine, with a fellowship in sports medicine. She thrives in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department and is eager to one day support athletes in their return to play, just as medical professionals did for her throughout her athletic career.
“I appreciate the critical decision-making environment of the ED,” Taylor said. “And I want to give back to athletes the way people helped me during my injuries.”
Despite her packed schedule, Taylor still finds time to express herself through art. For the past five years, she has operated her own shoe customization and restoration business, @taystee.creations, working on more than 1,000 pairs of designer sneakers and collaborating with groups like the LeBron James Family Foundation, BSN Sports, and even Marshall’s Hall of Fame Inductees.
Taylor’s journey has been filled with long hours and hard work. She credits her mom, affectionately called “Boss” by Taylor and her friends, as her biggest inspiration and cheerleader.
“She’s been there for every decision, every step,” Taylor said. “She’s my best friend and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
To young athletes dreaming of careers in medicine, Taylor offers this advice: “The journey is tough, but the reward is worth it. Find a mentor early on—you’ll need guidance along the way. And to anyone considering Marshall: get involved early. You never know who you’ll meet or how their advice will shape your path.”
From the court to the clinic, Taylor Pearson is a testament to what passion, perseverance, and purpose can achieve. And whether she’s lacing up her sneakers or her scrubs, she continues to inspire those around her, one step at a time.
