Celeste Taylor: From Queens to the WNBA and Beyond
Celeste Yvonne Taylor, born on June 20, 2001, is an American professional basketball player whose journey has taken her from the courts of Queens, New York, to the professional ranks of the WNBA and international leagues. Currently a free agent, Taylor's career is marked by her defensive prowess, versatility, and dedication to the game.
Early Life and High School Career
Taylor hails from Queens, New York, and is the granddaughter of Colombian immigrants. Growing up in a three-bedroom apartment in Astoria, Queens, alongside eight other family members, she became fluent in Spanish and even visited Colombia during her childhood.
Her basketball career began early, playing varsity basketball for Valley Stream South High School in Valley Stream, New York, while still in seventh grade. The following year, she transferred to Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in Brookville, New York, securing a starting position as a freshman. Her outstanding performance as a senior earned her the title of New York Gatorade Player of the Year.
College Career
Texas Longhorns (Freshman & Sophomore Years)
Celeste Taylor commenced her college career with the Texas Longhorns. As a freshman, she averaged 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, leading the team with 31 three-pointers, earning her a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore, she continued to improve, averaging 12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention. According to The Daily Texan, Celeste Taylor is a 'perfect fit' at Texas.
Duke Blue Devils (Junior Year)
For her junior season, Taylor transferred to Duke University, where she averaged 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
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Ohio State Buckeyes (Senior Year)
Taylor transferred to Ohio State for her senior season. She was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC, while averaging 11.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
WNBA Career
Indiana Fever
On April 15, 2024, Taylor's professional dreams were realized when she was selected in the second round as the fifteenth overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. However, her time with the Fever was short-lived.
Connecticut Sun
After being waived by the Fever, Taylor signed with the Connecticut Sun on August 16, 2024. She played two games for Connecticut.
Phoenix Mercury
Taylor's journey took an unexpected turn when she signed a seven-day contract with the Phoenix Mercury on August 23, 2024, just a week after her stint with the Connecticut Sun. Impressing the Mercury coaching staff, she signed two more seven-day contracts before securing a rest-of-season contract with the team. In January 2025, the Phoenix Mercury agreed to a training camp deal with Celeste Taylor. However, by May 2025, she was not on the team's roster.
International Career
Taylor's skills have also been showcased on the international stage. She won a gold medal with the United States national under-16 team at the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Women's Americas Championship in Argentina. She also won gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup. In July 2024, the Sydney Flames signed Celeste Taylor to a one-year deal.
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Player Profile
Celeste Taylor is a 180cm / 5'11'' tall point guard known for her defensive capabilities and versatility on the court. Her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, makes her a valuable asset to any team.
Achievements and Recognition
- New York Gatorade Player of the Year (High School)
- Big 12 All-Freshman Team (Texas)
- All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (Texas)
- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Player of the Year (Ohio State)
- First-Team All-ACC (Ohio State)
- Gold Medal at the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Women's Americas Championship
- Gold Medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup
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