When JT Taylor's previous college unfortunately shut down, he was forced to find a new academic and athletic home. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he came to PennWest Edinboro as a transfer student from Notre Dame College. His first visit to the campus was all he needed to know he had found the right place. “It was like I got a kind of like embrace with like a warm hug,” he recalls. The people he met—from the coaching staff and advisors to the students around campus—were all "really inviting and... welcoming me with open arms."

This sense of community and acceptance was a key factor in his decision. After some long talks with his parents, he knew, "That's kind of the place I want to be. You know, it felt like home." JT's preparation for a game is a quiet, focused process, reflecting his calm nature. He listens to music, closes his eyes, and envisions himself making plays before stepping onto the field. This mental discipline is a perfect complement to the high-energy environment of football.

As an education major, JT has to balance his athletic commitments with the demands of student teaching. He manages his time with a practical and organized approach, creating a checklist at the beginning of each week to stay on track. He emphasizes that this system, which he calls his "rhythm," is what allows him to stay on top of his assignments and duties. His advice to incoming students is to "be a sponge" and take in as much information as possible from everyone around them. He also stresses the importance of finding a routine that works for you, as everyone's process is different.

JT is ready for the upcoming season, confidently declaring his goal for the team: "PSAC champions." His journey to PennWest Edinboro showcases the university's ability to provide a seamless transition for students, offering a welcoming environment that supports both their academic and athletic pursuits. The empowerment he feels at Edinboro is palpable, and he is ready to take the field and contribute to his new PennWest family.