Taylor's Basketball Journey: Will's Mercer Island Story

will taylor mercer island basketball

Will Taylor was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church and a bright, spirited, and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew him. He was born in 1995 and moved to Mercer Island as an infant. He attended Mercer Island High School, where he played basketball for four years, and went on to attend Santa Clara University. Taylor was an avid athlete and coached younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program. He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a loving family and many friends.

Characteristics Values
Full Name William David Taylor
Date of Birth 4 August 1995
Place of Birth Saint John's Hospital, Santa Monica, California
Parents David F. and Kendall W. Taylor
Schools Attended Pixie Hill Preschool, West Mercer Elementary School, Mercer Island Middle School, Mercer Island High School, Santa Clara University
Year of Graduation 2013
College Major Economics
College Minor Political Science
Fraternity Sigma Pi
Sports Basketball (played for four years at Mercer Island High School)
Coaching Experience Coached younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program
Hobbies Skiing, boating on Lake Washington, cheering for the Seahawks
Religious Affiliation Mercer Island Presbyterian Church
Death 4 March 2017, in Santa Clara, California

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William David Taylor, born 4 August 1995, was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church

William David Taylor, born on the 4th of August 1995, was a beloved son, brother, and grandson. He was born at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, to David F. and Kendall W. Taylor. The family moved to Mercer Island when Will was just two months old. He attended school on the island, graduating from Mercer Island High School in 2013. Will was an avid athlete and played basketball for four years at Mercer Island High School. He went on to attend Santa Clara University, where he studied economics and minored in political science.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Will was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and was active in intramural sports and community service. Will was a coach to younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program. He enjoyed skiing with his family, boating on Lake Washington, and cheering for the Seahawks. Will's presence brought joy to those around him, and he was surrounded by a loving family and many friends.

Sadly, William David Taylor passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Santa Clara, California. His memorial service was held at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, and donations were made in his memory to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation. Will is survived by his parents, David and Kendall Taylor, his sister Kathryn, his brother Michael, his grandmothers Carolyn Wicklund and Janet Taylor, and his girlfriend Paige Olson, among other loving relatives and friends.

Will Taylor's life was a testament to his passion for sports, education, and community involvement. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the impact he had on Mercer Island and beyond.

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Will Taylor played basketball for four years at Mercer Island High School and went on to coach younger athletes through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program

William David Taylor, born on August 4, 1995, at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, played basketball for four years at Mercer Island High School. He was an avid athlete and played many years of basketball. Taylor's family moved to Mercer Island when he was just two months old. He attended Pixie Hill Preschool, West Mercer Elementary School, Mercer Island Middle School, and Mercer Island High School, graduating in 2013.

After graduating, Taylor attended Santa Clara University, majoring in economics with a minor in political science. He was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and was involved in intramural sports, his fraternity, and community service. Taylor was also an active member of the Mercer Island community, coaching younger athletes through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program. Little Dribblers is a programme led by the MIHS Head Coach, Gavin Cree, and the high school players. Players are placed on teams and are coached by MIHS players.

Taylor was a bright, spirited, and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew him. He was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church and was survived by his parents, David and Kendall Taylor, his sister, Kathryn Carlotta Taylor, his brother, Michael Wicklund Taylor, his grandmothers, Carolyn Wicklund and Janet Taylor, and his girlfriend, Paige Olson. He enjoyed skiing with his family, boating on Lake Washington, cheering for the Seahawks, and spending time with his many friends.

A memorial service was held for Will Taylor at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 11, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations were sent to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation in his memory.

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The Mercer Island Boys Basketball Booster Club (MIBBBC) supports boys' basketball and youth athletics

The Mercer Island Boys Basketball Booster Club (MIBBBC) is a committed and supportive community that actively promotes and encourages boys' basketball and youth athletics. The club's dedication to maintaining high standards and creating special experiences for student-athletes is evident through their various initiatives and achievements.

The MIBBBC understands the importance of basketball and athletics in the lives of Mercer Island boys, and works tirelessly to ensure their success and well-being. They provide essential support and resources to the basketball teams, fostering a culture of excellence and camaraderie. The club's efforts have contributed to the remarkable accomplishments of the Mercer Island Varsity Boys Basketball team, including their wins against Interlake High School and Cedarcrest High School in 2025.

One of the key initiatives of the MIBBBC is the Little Dribblers program, which is open to basketball players in 3rd to 8th grade. This program is led by MIHS Head Coach Gavin Cree, a Washington State John Wooden Award winner, and supported by high school players who act as coaches. The young players are placed on teams and compete against each other in a round-robin format on Saturday mornings during the season. This program not only develops basketball skills but also fosters a love for the sport and builds character in the participants.

The MIBBBC also recognises the financial challenges that come with participating in sports. To address this, they offer scholarships for the Boys Basketball Select and high school team travel through the generous contributions of the MI basketball community and membership support. This ensures that all talented athletes have the opportunity to pursue their passion and represent their school.

The club's commitment to youth development extends beyond the basketball court. They understand the importance of academic excellence and community involvement, as exemplified by the late Will Taylor, a proud son of Mercer Island and a talented athlete himself. Will, who sadly passed away in 2017, was an avid athlete and a member of the Boys and Girls Club, where he coached many younger athletes through the Little Dribblers Program. He embodied the values of the MIBBBC, excelling in sports, academics, and community service.

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The Mercer Island Varsity Boys Basketball team has had wins and losses in 2025

The Mercer Island Varsity Boys Basketball team has had a mixed bag of results in 2025, with several wins and losses throughout the season.

On February 8, the team secured a victory against Interlake High School, with a final score of 54-44. This was preceded by a narrow loss to Redmond High School on February 4, where the team fell just short with a score of 58-62.

The team's performance in the days leading up to these games was also a mix of wins and losses. On January 31, they handily defeated Cedarcrest High School with a score of 63-36. However, just a few days earlier, on January 25, they suffered a defeat against Bothell High School, losing with a score of 45-56.

The team's performance in the latter part of February continued to fluctuate. On February 11, they lost to Bellevue High School by a significant margin of 47-65. This was followed by another loss on February 13, where they fell to Inglemoor High School with a score of 44-58. The team's struggles continued as they lost yet again on February 15 to Seattle Prep High School, with a final score of 63-75.

Despite these recent setbacks, the Mercer Island Varsity Boys Basketball team has shown resilience and fighting spirit throughout the season. With a mix of wins and losses, they continue to strive for improvement and are determined to finish the season on a strong note.

The team is led by dedicated coaches like Gavin Cree, a MIHS alumnus and Washington State John Wooden Award winner, and supported by a passionate fan base, who cheer them on at every game. With their hard work and dedication, the team is sure to continue growing and improving, taking each win and loss as a valuable learning experience.

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Will Taylor's memorial service was held on Saturday, 11 March 2017, at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church

Will Taylor, a beloved member of the Mercer Island community, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Santa Clara, California. Will was an avid athlete with a passion for basketball, having played throughout his youth and during his time at Mercer Island High School. His love for sports extended beyond the court, as he also coached younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program.

To honor his memory, a memorial service was held on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. Will was a member of this church and a bright, spirited, and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew him. The service provided an opportunity for his loving family and friends to gather and celebrate his life.

Will is survived by his parents, David and Kendall Taylor, his sister Kathryn Carlotta Taylor, his brother Michael Wicklund Taylor, his grandmothers Carolyn Wicklund and Janet Taylor, and his much-loved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Alvin Taylor and Eldon Wicklund.

In lieu of flowers, donations were sent to the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation in memory of Will Taylor. This was a fitting tribute to a young man who dedicated his time to coaching and mentoring younger athletes in the Mercer Island community.

Frequently asked questions

Will Taylor was an avid athlete born in Santa Monica, California, on August 4, 1995. He played basketball for four years at Mercer Island High School and went on to attend Santa Clara University, where he was active in intramural sports. Will was a bright, spirited, and joyful presence in the lives of those who knew him. Sadly, he passed away on March 4, 2017, in Santa Clara, California.

Will Taylor played basketball for four years at Mercer Island High School. After graduating, he continued to coach younger athletes on Mercer Island through the Boys and Girls Club and the Little Dribblers Program.

Will Taylor was a well-loved member of the Mercer Island community. He was a member of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church and was involved in various activities, including skiing, boating on Lake Washington, and cheering for the Seahawks. He also coached and mentored younger athletes through local programs. His sudden passing left a hole in the hearts of many who knew him.

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