We recently connected with Taylor Denise Floyd and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor Denise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I took a risk back in 2020 that completely changed the course of my life, and it all started when I decided to try ice hockey for the first time.

At the time, I had always been intrigued by roller skating but never really had the opportunity to step on the ice. One day, my mom was taking my little sister to try rookie hockey , and I was just feeling bold and thought, “Why not?” She signed us up for a beginner’s session, and when I stepped onto that ice for the first time, I just knew. It felt like I had found my place, like something inside me clicked. The thrill of gliding, the rush of adrenaline—everything about it felt right. It was a magical moment that confirmed this was where I was supposed to be. I felt like nothing mattered but the ice ; its a very blissful feeling .

After my first year of learning to skate and getting comfortable with the game, I decided to take it one step further: I wanted to try goalie. Looking back, it was a huge risk, especially considering how different being a goalie is compared to playing out on the rink. But for me, it felt natural. I wasn’t just chasing the puck; I was stopping it, and it gave me a sense of control and purpose that I hadn’t felt before. There was something about it that made me feel like I had found my true passion.

But as amazing as it was, not everyone was supportive. Being a African American girl playing goalie in a sport dominated by a very different demographic, I faced a lot of harsh comments. I remember being told some truly mean things—people didn’t understand why I was playing, or they made assumptions about my skill level before even seeing me play. It was hard, and at times, discouraging. But for me, the love I had for the sport and my role as a goalie far outweighed the negativity; my mom don’t play about me either . It wasn’t easy, but each time I faced those comments, it only made me more determined to prove them wrong.

In the years since, hockey has been a huge part of my life, and being a goalie has become my identity. Every game, every save, and every challenge has only solidified my passion for the sport. That first risk, stepping onto the ice, led me to a place where I truly belong, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. It’s not just a game anymore; it’s been a journey of self-discovery and perseverance, and I’ll never look back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an African American female ice hockey goalie with a deep passion for the game and a big dream: to one day play for Team USA. Hockey has taught me so much—about focus, discipline, resilience, and understanding the importance of teamwork. It’s a sport that requires you to stay present in the moment, overcome obstacles, and constantly push yourself to improve, both on and off the ice.

I first stepped onto the ice in 2010, and from that very first moment, I knew it was for me. The feeling of skating, the rush of blocking shots—something clicked, and it felt like home. After my first year, I decided to push myself further and become a goalie, and that’s when my true love for the sport grew. I’ve faced challenges, especially being a Black woman in a sport where I often didn’t see many people like me, but those challenges have only made me more determined.

As for what I offer, I’m focused on inspiring others, especially kids from underrepresented communities, to pursue their dreams in hockey. I want to break down barriers and create more access for young athletes who may not have the resources or the representation they need. Whether it’s through starting a scholarship, providing mentorship, or even writing a book to share my journey, I’m committed to giving back to the sport and helping others see that they belong in spaces where they’ve historically been overlooked.

What sets me apart is my dedication not just to the game itself, but to building a more inclusive and diverse future for hockey. I want to show young athletes—especially those who don’t see many people who look like them in the sport—that they have a place in this world, too. I strive to create a legacy where others feel empowered to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles in their way.

What I’m most proud of is the resilience I’ve built and the way I’ve stayed true to myself despite the challenges. I’ve taken risks, faced criticism, but ultimately, it’s been all worth it. Hockey has taught me how to keep pushing, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to be a leader both on and off the ice.

My goal is to continue pushing for my dream of playing for Team USA, but I also want to make an impact by helping others along the way. Whether it’s through my play, my outreach, or my future plans for mentorship, I hope to be a role model for the next generation of hockey players, particularly those who might not have thought this sport was for them before. My work is about creating opportunity, representation, and access in a sport that’s given me so much. Whatever the future holds, I’m excited to see where it takes me and how I can continue to give back.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative—whether it’s as an athlete, a goalie, or even in the broader sense of my journey—is the ability to inspire others. When I step onto the ice, it’s not just about playing the game; it’s about showing other people, especially young athletes, that they can do it too. The idea that my passion and perseverance might inspire someone else to follow their dreams, despite obstacles or doubts, is incredibly fulfilling.

There’s also something deeply personal and transformative about the process of creating and improving. As a goalie, every save I make, every challenge I face, is a moment of growth. The journey isn’t just about mastering the craft; it’s about learning more about myself, developing resilience, and embracing the grind. When I see that progress in myself, or when I hear from someone who has been inspired by my story, that sense of connection and impact makes everything worth it.

Additionally, as I work toward providing more opportunities and access to kids who might not have the resources or support to pursue hockey, the idea that I’m contributing to making the sport more inclusive is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the individual moments of success, but about how my work can contribute to a bigger shift in representation and opportunity for others who may feel like the sport isn’t meant for them.

At the end of the day, it’s the impact on others and the personal growth that makes this journey as rewarding as it is.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the moments that really illustrates my resilience happened during my second season as a goalie. I had already faced the usual challenges of being an African American girl in a sport where I didn’t often see many people who looked like me. But during this particular season, things took a turn that really tested my determination.

It was a big game—one of the most important of the season. The pressure was on, and as usual, there were some harsh comments from opposing players and even spectators who didn’t think I belonged on the ice. It wasn’t just about the game itself, but the weight of constantly proving myself in a space where people doubted me.

In the middle of the game, I was hit with a particularly tough shot, and the puck went past me. I felt the weight of it—the disappointment, the voices in my head telling me I wasn’t good enough. For a moment, I considered how easy it would be to just let the negativity get to me and lose focus. But then something clicked. I remembered why I was there in the first place: not just to play, but to show that I belonged, to prove to myself that I could keep pushing, no matter what others said or did.

I took a deep breath, refocused, and turned my attention back to the game. I blocked several more shots after that, and we ended up winning the game. That moment really solidified the importance of resilience for me—not just in hockey, but in life. I realized that setbacks, negative comments, and even self-doubt were going to be part of the journey. What mattered was how I responded to them. Every time I faced adversity, it became a chance to build more mental strength and to prove to myself that I could keep going.

That game wasn’t just a victory for the team; it was a personal victory. It showed me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from failure, but about learning to stay calm, stay focused, and keep pushing forward even when the odds seem stacked against you. That moment has stayed with me ever since, and it’s something I think about every time I step onto the ice or face any challenge in life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ice_hockey_goddess
• Youtube: coming soon
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits

June Floyd ( mother ) : takes me to every game and practice – she has my back no matter what

Emilee Floyd -( little sister ) photos