David Taylor Retires from Broadcasting after 38-Year Career

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Throughout much of the storied history of James Madison women's basketball, JMU Nation has had one man to rely on to convey the excitement better than anyone – David Taylor.

Taylor, JMU's Senior Marketing Director, is stepping away from his regular broadcasting duties after 38 years on the call.

"After 38 years of JMU sportscasting the time has come for me to step away," Taylor said. "I have been privileged to be behind the microphone for multiple sports during that time, but certainly my closest association has been with women's basketball. Serving as the voice of JMU women's basketball has been incredibly rewarding."

Since 1978, Taylor has been the regular play-by-play announcer for JMU women's basketball. He has covered all 20 NCAA tournament games, including the 1991 upset of top-seeded Penn State, and all nine Colonial Athletic Association championships.

"I've had the unparalleled opportunity to work with three legendary coaches — Betty Jaynes, Shelia Moorman and, of course, my dear friend Kenny Brooks," Taylor added. "I will always have a deep affection for the players, staff and fans that have been and continue to be a part of the program."

Taylor's career has spanned four head coaches' tenures, and watched three become successive all-time wins leaders: Jaynes (144), Moorman (302) and Brooks (337). He has been hard at work for over 750 JMU wins, including the program's 1,000^th overall win on Jan. 6, 2015.

"This isn't an easy decision," Taylor added. "Doing games has been a great joy, and I know that I will miss it a great deal. The intercollegiate athletics staff as well as my colleagues in University Advancement have been enthusiastic and steadfast in their support of my broadcast work, and for that I'll be forever thankful. I'm very fortunate and grateful to have had this opportunity."

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