Katy Taylor girls hoops experienced a surge of success in 2024, escalating the ranks within the loaded District 19-6A, and ultimately taking the No. 3 (28-7; 12-4 in district) spot prior to their first playoff berth since the 2018-19 season.
While head coach Blair Ary had a slew of weapons to utilize on the court, her center-piece was undoubtedly senior Timya Grice.
The 6-foot-5 center made her presence especially felt this Winter when she posted 34 points and a school-record 24 rebounds in a pivotal 58-43 victory over district counterpart Seven Lakes.
Considering the connection she shows with her teammates, it may come as a shock that Grice has only been with the team since January of 2023, after moving from Mauldin, South Carolina.
While it may be a daunting task for some to adjust to a new environment – and not just the occasionally brutal Houston weather – that hasn’t been the case for Grice.
“I love Taylor,” she said. “The coaching staff is really great here, and they really connect with everyone. At Taylor, we’re all about unity, which really speaks to me. In the Bible, it says ‘where there is true unity, God commands a blessing,’ so that’s what we’re all about, and that’s what’s important to us.”
“Sure, we have our bad days, but we always have each other’s backs. Even now that we’re in the offseason, we’re all still very close.”
That same aspect of unity will undoubtedly come into play when Grice advances her game to the collegiate level, where she’ll play for Arizona State University.
Despite holding offers from other premier programs, such as Kansas State, something about ASU clicked with her.
“It was really about feeling,” said Grice. “Some people would ask me why I didn’t choose Kansas (State), but I honestly felt like I was treated better by the Arizona State staff, and that they liked me more. The head coach (Natasha Adair) and I got really close.”
“Even the weather played a factor. Everyone says the heat in Texas is awful, but I didn’t actually mind the Arizona heat. So, a lot of aspects came into play – if I would be safe over there, do they like me, etc. Overall, I’m confident in my decision.”
Given the considerable maturity she embodies, one has to wonder what makes Grice tick, both on and off the court?
“For me, it’s more about being mentally in the game rather than physically,” she said. “You can do anything once you put your mind to it. So, I make sure that I pray before games and do my best to ensure that my mind is right. Of course, that transfers over to my regular life and aspirations, as well.”
The future Sun Devil certainly has a bright future ahead. With her mind-set, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Grice ends up in the pros one day.