Taylor Payne, a 1998 Danville High School graduate, is business development and engagement officer for USA Diving. The organization names, trains and funds the U.S. Olympic Diving Team and runs national USA Diving events. Payne lives in Indianapolis.

She has worked in the Olympic Movement for nearly 20 years, in media relations, fundraising, sponsorship, membership, event planning, compliance and athlete safety. As a media relations director, she served as a press officer for multiple Olympic and Pan American Games and World Championships. She later moved into sponsorship and fundraising and now oversees many areas, her primary focus being athlete safety efforts and handles compliance requirements with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Tell us about your Danville Schools journey. What school(s) did you attend?

I attended Toliver Elementary School, Bate Middle School and Danville High School. 

What aspects of your Danville Schools education helped mold you into the person you are today? 

There were certainly teachers who helped me develop my writing skills and helped me believe in those skills to transfer them into a future profession. Mrs. Jan Scott was one of those in middle school and high school. Mrs. Sandy Reigelman was one of those as far back as elementary school. There were also coaches in the school system who helped me realize there were careers in the field of sports management/communications that I never knew existed and were attainable for a female. Coach Sam Harp was that coach. 

When you think back on your Danville Schools experience, are there specific instances or relationships that stand out to you as having had a significant impact on your success since graduating? 

When I was at DHS, I served as a football manager and trainer. This provided insight into the world of sports and an understanding that there were multiple areas to pursue a profession in sports. Coach Harp introduced me to professionals in the University of Kentucky athletic department, where I was able to further learn about these opportunities the summer after I graduated from high school. From there, those experiences and connections helped me secure an internship in the Indiana University athletic department where I attended college. 

Those internships and experiences helped me find my first position in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) sports at a Division I athletic conference before transitioning into the field of Olympic Sports. It all started in high school. I am not sure where I would be without the opportunities Coach Harp was able to provide and introduce me to. 

As a product of Danville Schools, what advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child? 

I was a swimmer in high school, and my current position is the result of working in sports and my love for aquatic sports. I am thankful that DHS offered a swim team when I was in high school. I am also grateful that there are so many other sports that are now available for both males and females that were not offered when I was still in school. 

I truly believe that so many aspects of sports (and other extracurricular activities) play a significant role in the development of young people. Whether it gives you an opportunity to play after high school or not, there are valuable lessons to be learned from both team and individual sports that will stay with you forever. That is why I believe so strongly in working in the field of sports and providing opportunities for young people to be a part of something. It is never too early to get involved, and it is never too late to stay involved and make a difference. 

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This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our Danville Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a Danville graduate and an excellent representative of the Danville community and the idea of #SuccessForALL, whether they live in Danville or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your Danville Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #DanvilleAlumniStories

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