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"It gave her confidence going into the training session during the summer that, 'Yes, I can do this. I can compete at the highest level possible and be very, very successful,'" Bluder said. Last season Taylor scored in double figures 12 times, including 22 points against Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference Tournament. She had double-doubles in points and rebounds against Illinois State (10-11) and at Purdue (15-11). As the only senior on this year's 11-player roster, Taylor has been called Mama Hawk, a moniker she said spread quickly, even without her approval. "I'm experienced and I have seen and played a lot," Taylor said. "When you get to college, everyone is uptight and scared. If anything, I tell the younger players to play how they play. If we can do that then this team is going to be awesome, I can feel it." For Bluder, the experience Taylor brings to a team with seven underclassmen is vital. "She has been through so many seasons and she has played in almost every environment," Bluder said. "She 40 has seen highs and lows; she is going to be somebody we rely on and the team is going to look to her on how to handle different situations." While Taylor credits teammates for getting her through the injuries, she has another support system in Iowa. Michelle and Theodore Taylor -- Theairra's parents -moved to Iowa City from Minnesota to be with their daughter while she completed college. "My parents were the reason I started playing basketball," Theairra said. "I said I would either stay home or I would choose a college I wanted, and they would move with me since I'm the youngest child. They said they would move." Taylor is pursuing majors in recreation and sports business and human relations. She hopes to become a coach after her playing days are over. But playing basketball is something Taylor wants to continue. "If my body lets me," she said.