Eastlake High School introduced Matthew Taylor as the Falcons' new boys basketball coach on Sept. 12.
Taylor was Eastlake’s assistant boys basketball coach last season. The Kentucky native and Army veteran previously served as the associate head coach at Clint High School and as the head coach and director of advancement at St. Patrick School in Maysville, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communications from the University of Kentucky in 2003.
Taylor said the Falcons’ boys basketball team was ready to compete at a higher level.
"I really think that these guys are ready to take this competitive level to another level, something that's a lot greater representative of the Eastlake community and the faculty and staff and Mr. Martinez has put together and the mission that we're trying to put together," Taylor said. "It's got to be indicative of excellence, and that's what we're pursuing. I think the guys are all bought in and ready to go."
Eastlake football coach and campus athletic coordinator Ruben Rodriguez said the school was excited to officially welcome Taylor as the head of the boys basketball program.
"(Matthew Taylor) is very well known on our campus," Rodriguez said. "He's very energetic. He brings a lot of enthusiasm, and he brings a lot of love toward the kids, especially to the kids in the basketball program."
Senior Lucas Brandon, who plays guard, said he and his teammates are excited that Taylor got the head coaching job.
“We supported him along the way,” Brandon said. “He’s going to lead us to high excellence. That’s the expectation here.”
Eastlake High School new boys basketball coach announcement event photos