Camryn Taylor Bio
Camryn Nichole Taylor is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and playing as a forward, she has built her career through standout performances at the high school, college, and professional levels. Taylor first gained attention as a high school star in Peoria, Illinois, before developing into a reliable scorer and rebounder at Marquette and Virginia. Her journey from the Peoria hardwood to the WNBA reflects steady growth, resilience, and a strong competitive drive.
Early Life and Background
Camryn Nichole Taylor was born on March 15, 2001, in Peoria, Illinois, where she spent much of her childhood. She also lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for part of her early years before returning to Peoria, the city that would shape her introduction to competitive basketball. She attended Richwoods High School, where she quickly emerged as one of the most talented players in the region.
During her junior year, Taylor led the Richwoods basketball team to the 2018 Illinois state championship, a defining moment in her young career. That same season, she surpassed 1,000 career points, signaling her arrival as an elite scorer. The Peoria Journal Star named her the large-school girls’ basketball player of the year for 2018, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and the Associated Press both placed her on their first-team all-state lists in her junior and senior seasons.
Path to Basketball
Taylor’s path to professional basketball began with the Marquette Golden Eagles, where she enrolled in 2019. As a freshman, she appeared in 31 games and averaged 9.3 points per game, the fourth-highest mark on her team. She recorded her first career double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds in a win against the Seton Hall Pirates, and her strong play earned her a spot on the Big East All-Freshman Team.
In her sophomore year at Marquette, Taylor started all 26 games and averaged 12.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. She posted four double-doubles, including an 11-point, 13-rebound performance against the UConn Huskies in the championship game of the 2020 Big East women’s basketball tournament. After that season, she transferred to the University of Virginia, where she continued her development as a forward and graduated into one of the most consistent players in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Camryn Taylor Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Taylor’s early career was rooted in the Big East Conference, where she played two seasons with the Marquette Golden Eagles. She earned honorable mention All-Big East recognition in 2020–2021 after starting every game of her sophomore year. Her most memorable early moment came against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first round of the 2020 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament, where she scored 15 points and helped push her team forward.
Following her sophomore year, Taylor made the decision to transfer to the Virginia Cavaliers. The move allowed her to expand her game within a new conference while continuing to build on her rebounding and scoring strengths. Her first game as a Cavalier produced 27 points and seven rebounds against the James Madison Dukes, an immediate sign that her transition would be smooth.
Virginia Cavaliers Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Taylor’s first season at Virginia was shortened after she took a leave of absence following the death of her mother from cancer. Despite playing only 12 games, she led the team with 12.8 points per game and recorded Virginia’s first double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds against the William & Mary Tribe. Her resilience during a difficult personal period earned her the respect of teammates and coaches.
Returning for her senior season, Taylor was a dominant presence for the Cavaliers. She started all 30 games and led the team in scoring with 13.9 points per game and in rebounding with 6.2 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures 21 times. She added two double-doubles, reached 1,000 career points, and was named second-team All-ACC for the 2022–2023 season.
In her fifth and final college season, Taylor continued to lead Virginia on the glass. She started 26 of 28 games, averaged 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and added four more double-doubles, bringing her career total to 12. Her strong finish earned her an invitation to the Women’s College All-Star Game, a fitting recognition of her college career.
Minnesota Lynx Era (2024–Present)
On April 23, 2024, Taylor signed a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. After being released on May 11, she spent the 2024–2025 season playing overseas for Esperides Kallitheas in Greece, where she averaged 19.6 points and 6.7 rebounds across 25 games. That experience strengthened her readiness for another opportunity in the WNBA.
Taylor rejoined the Lynx training camp on February 25, 2025, and was released on May 7. She returned to the team on August 8, 2025, signing a seven-day contract that was followed by two additional seven-day contracts. On September 1, 2025, the Lynx signed her to a rest-of-season contract, securing her place on the roster through the end of the campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Taylor’s game is built around scoring efficiency, rebounding, and composure in the paint. Listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 190 pounds, she uses her size to finish through contact and to control the defensive glass. Her ability to produce double-doubles consistently, both in college and overseas, has been a defining strength of her career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Taylor’s career are her 2018 Illinois state championship, her 1,000-point milestone reached during her senior year at Virginia, and her second-team All-ACC selection in 2023. Her invitation to the Women’s College All-Star Game and her strong overseas season with Esperides Kallitheas further underscore her steady rise through the sport.
Camryn Taylor Career Wins
Camryn Nichole Taylor has compiled a series of team and individual accomplishments across the high school, college, and professional levels. Her signature team victory came during her junior year at Richwoods High School, when she helped lead the program to the 2018 Illinois state championship. At Virginia, she became a multi-year leader in scoring and rebounding, and she was recognized with All-ACC honors in 2023.
College Highlights
Taylor earned Big East All-Freshman Team honors in 2020 and honorable mention All-Big East recognition in 2021 during her time at Marquette. After transferring to Virginia, she was named second-team All-ACC in 2023 and was invited to the Women’s College All-Star Game in 2024. Across her college career, she totaled 12 double-doubles and reached 1,000 career points during her senior season.
Other Wins and Performances
During the 2024–2025 season, Taylor played for Esperides Kallitheas in Greece, where she averaged 19.6 points and 6.7 rebounds over 25 games. She later signed a rest-of-season contract with the Minnesota Lynx on September 1, 2025, continuing her professional career in the WNBA.
Camryn Taylor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Camryn Nichole Taylor’s immediate family remain limited. Her mother passed away from cancer during Taylor’s first season at the University of Virginia, a personal loss that she has spoken about as a defining moment in her life. The support of her family helped her return to the court and finish her college career on a strong note.
Personal Life
Beyond basketball, Taylor developed a love for music as a child, learning to play the violin, viola, cello, string bass, and guitar. She majored in business administration at Marquette University and later pursued graduate studies in the school of education at the University of Virginia. Her wide range of interests reflects a well-rounded approach to life beyond the game.
2025 Season Performance
Camryn Nichole Taylor’s 2025 season has been a story of persistence and gradual opportunity. After spending the early months with the Lynx training camp, she was released in May and waited for another opening. Her overseas experience with Esperides Kallitheas, where she averaged 19.6 points and 6.7 rebounds across 25 games, kept her game sharp during the wait.
When the Lynx came calling in August 2025, Taylor made the most of her opportunity. A series of seven-day contracts led to a rest-of-season deal on September 1, giving her a chance to contribute to a WNBA contender. Her scoring instincts and rebounding presence provided the Lynx with valuable depth during the stretch run.
Looking ahead, Taylor’s 2025 campaign demonstrates the value of patience and continued development. Whether her role expands with the Lynx in future seasons or through another professional opportunity, her combination of scoring, rebounding, and professionalism suggests a promising next chapter in her basketball career.