Michael Donovan Kain Taylor

Michael Taylor’s Legacy
“Coach Mike”

Michael Donovan Kain Taylor - Kulinowski born November 21, 1997, to Niya Taylor and Kristopher Kulinowski. From the moment Michael (lovingly referred to as “Bubba” to his family and close friends), was welcomed into this world he brought with him an undeniable joy and immeasurable amount of love to everyone around him. Michael’s legacy as it relates to his love and passion for basketball started quickly… Michael learned to grasp a basketball as early as he learned to walk. Michael’s family (mostly his uncles) never took basketball all that seriously because if you know the Taylor’s then you know our motto is TaylorMade - Faith - Family - and Football! The family tried unsuccessfully at telling Michael he was going to be a football player, playing in the halfback position. Michael, being the respectful and disciplined young man, we all know him to be, would reluctantly play flag football and pop warner every season his mom signed him up for it, and the funny thing is he was good at it. As much as the family encouraged football, it was basketball that stole Michael’s heart, and it was not until one of his first games at Gilbert Boys and Girls Club at the ripe young age of 6 where Michael dominated the game over kids double his size with amazing ball handling skills. At that moment the entire family realized there lies Bubba’s gift. After that day TaylorMade officially became: TaylorMade - Faith - Family - Football & Basketball!

Michael attended Chaparral Middle School before moving on and graduating in 2015 from Williams Field High School in Gilbert, Arizona. Immediately after high school Michael began attending Chandler-Gilbert Community College as he pursued his associate degree in physical education and business management. Michael did not believe in wasting time, and he was eager to start his coaching career while he was working through school. Michael began working side by side with his uncle at a sports-centric charter school coaching Football, Basketball and Track. Michael played an integral part in helping lead the school to its first State Championship. In 2016, Michael would join the coaching staff at Sequoia High school, being named the lead assistant with both the boys and girls varsity teams. Michael helped rejuvenate the basketball program at Sequoia over the next two years, reaching the semi-finals and helping the athletic program set many new team and school records.

In 2018, Michael was looking to build his coaching resume and started coaching football at Mesa High School, while he was simultaneously preparing to launch his own business TaylorMade Elite Basketball Club and Training. Over the next several years Michael trained student-athletes all over the valley. From dusk to dawn under the newly established LLC TaylorMade Elite, Michael hosted both group and 1-on-1 training basketball training sessions helping players learn, develop, and grow in the game and skill of basketball. During this time Michael also started working at Eastmark High school coaching both the girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. This is where he began to build lifelong relationships with great male role models, such as Coach Shawn Lynch, Coach Brimley, and many, many more. In 2021, Michael was elated to follow Coach Shawn Lynch to Mesquite High School, coaching side by side with him helping lead Mesquite boys to a State Championship in Basketball in 2022.

Over the next 3 seasons, Michael continued to grow as man, coach, and community leader. TaylorMade Elite was building a name, style and brand of which players were excited to be a part. Coach Mike’s teams were playing in tournaments across the west coast. Michael’s vision and plan was coming together just as he wanted it to be, unique, special, and a one-of-a-kind experience for all his players and families. During Michael's coaching journey, he accomplished a lot and was placed in numerous leadership roles including JV head Coach, position coach, interim head coach, director, etc. You name it, anything related to the gym HE DID IT! However, one of Michael's ultimate goals was to become a Head Coach of his very own varsity team. In March of this year Michael was named the Head Coach of Beat the Odds Basketball Academy (BTO). Michael was both humbled and beyond proud that at the young age of 26 years old, while maintaining his own business TaylorMade Elite, he was presented with this tremendous opportunity to take his legacy to the next level.

Michael had a brilliant mind when it came to sports. He could and would talk games, strategy and player stats with any and every one that was willing to listen. Michael had an infectious smile, an unforgettable laugh, and a heart made of pure gold. Michael was funny, resourceful, dedicated, giving and most of all one of the most loving and kind people to walk this earth. Michael loved basketball, Michael loved his family, and Michael loved Jesus! Although his story has been cut short, his legacy will live on forever.