Staff Reporters
27 July 2024, 8:00 PM
Last year the Adelaide Crows welcomed home South Australian midfielder Taylah Levy, signing her as a rookie for the 2023 AFLW season. Hailing from Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Taylah has returned to her roots after time away playing basketball at Cleveland State University in the United States.
Taylah Levy's journey from Victor Harbor to the national stage of AFLW is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion. Growing up in the close-knit community of Victor Harbor before completing her schooling at Tatachilla in McLaren Vale, Taylah's childhood was blessed with the simplicity and warmth of small-town life.
From an early age, her love for sports knew no bounds. Whether it was shooting hoops on the basketball court, displaying her skills on the netball court, or fearlessly tackling the boys in Aussie rules football, Taylah's versatility and determination were evident.
However, it was her prowess on the football field that truly stood out. Joining the South Adelaide Football Club's women's development squad, Taylah's talent shone brightly, culminating in a premiership victory with the SANFLW team's under-16 girls' side in 2016.
Her sporting journey took an unexpected turn when she was offered a scholarship to play basketball for the CSU Vikings in 2019. Embarking on a new adventure, she ventured across the seas to Cleveland State University in the US, where she balanced her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, earning a degree in psychology.
Despite her basketball endeavours, Taylah’s passion for football never waned. As her time in the US drew to a close, she seized the opportunity to reignite her love affair with the oval ball. After contacting the Adelaide Crows, her determination paid off as she earned a spot on the team, making her AFLW debut in the 2023 season.
Representing her state and community on the national stage is a source of immense pride for Taylah. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasises the importance of seizing opportunities and pursuing dreams with unwavering tenacity.
Her days are a whirlwind of training sessions, games, and work commitments. Despite the challenges she's faced, including two knee reconstructions, she remains undeterred, fuelled by determination and the strong support of her family.
As she continues to hone her skills on the football field, Taylah is grateful for the lessons learned and the memories made along the way, especially the camaraderie shared with teammates.