Ohio State adds former Buckeye Thierry to staff after 101 straight starts

Ohio State women's basketball fans will see a familiar face on the bench this season. Taylor Thierry, who played for the Buckeyes from 2021 to 2025, joined the staff as director of player development on Saturday, Oct. 25. She returns to Columbus after a professional stint in the WNBA.

Thierry started in 101 straight games across her final three seasons with Ohio State. She helped the program reach the NCAA Tournament four years running. Her career numbers with the Buckeyes include a .597 field goal percentage and 234 steals, both among the top 10 marks in program history.

Her path to the professional ranks began with the 36th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, when the Atlanta Dream selected her. She played 17 games for the Seattle Storm in 2026.

"I'm incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to return to Ohio State in this role," Thierry said in a press release issued by the program. "Being part of this program has always been a special privilege, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes and providing the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential, both on and off the court."

In the role, she will work alongside Ohio State's coaching staff, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches to mentor student-athletes. Head coach Kevin McGuff, who coached Thierry throughout her four-year career with the Buckeyes, said in the release that he expects her to contribute immediately. "I'm extremely excited to add Taylor Thierry to our staff this season," McGuff said. "She's incredibly passionate about this program and has shown how much hard work pays off."

Thierry is the third former Ohio State player currently working on the staff. She joins assistant coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Katie Smith, along with Beth Howe, a former team co-captain who serves as director of operations.