Taryn Floyd has etched her name into the annals of Fort Dorchester High School history, embarking on her third academic year as the esteemed Athletic Director and notably becoming the first woman to hold this pivotal position within a Dorchester School District Two high school. Her groundbreaking appointment signifies a significant stride for women in sports leadership, setting a new precedent for aspiring female administrators.
Her summer was a whirlwind of strategic planning, meticulously ensuring all athletic programs were poised for success, yet she remarkably avoided the extensive search for new head coaches that often plagues such transitions. “I only had two positions to fill for the 25-26 school year, tennis and baseball, and I am thrilled for both programs’ future,” Floyd affirmed. This efficiency underscores her preparedness and the strong foundation already in place at Fort Dorchester.
Since May, the dedicated coaching staff at Fort Dorchester has been actively engaged in comprehensive training, facility upgrades, and weekly collaborative meetings aimed at developing robust plans for continuous improvement. Floyd emphasized, “We have short and long range plans to ensure we continue to make both Dorchester School District 2 and the North Charleston community proud,” highlighting a forward-thinking approach to excellence in high school sports.
In a testament to her leadership and collaborative spirit, Floyd, alongside district officials, successfully brought Jay Christmas on board to spearhead the school’s baseball program and Kyle Conway to lead the boys’ tennis program. Her extensive experience in talent acquisition is evident, having previously played a crucial role in hiring head coaches for Fort Dorchester’s football, softball, girls’ basketball, girls’ track, girls’ volleyball, and boys’ volleyball programs.
A true product of Dorchester School District Two, Taryn Floyd officially assumed her role as the Fort Dorchester Athletic Director on July 1, 2023. Her deep roots in the district and unwavering dedication were key factors in her selection for this historic position, solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in education and athletic administration within the region.
Reflecting on her decision to pursue the role, Floyd passionately stated, “When this position opened up I had to go for it because I didn’t want just anybody in this role. I have red in my veins, blue in my heart and Patriots just everywhere in my family.” Her profound connection to the school, its feeder programs, the North Charleston community, and the administration made the choice unequivocal, driven by a desire to uplift the entire athletic ecosystem.
Her journey through the district is extensive, beginning in 2007 as a physical education teacher at Reeves Elementary School. Two years later, she transitioned into coaching as Mark Weaver’s assistant for the inaugural Ashley Ridge Girls Soccer team. Her dedication to developing young athletes continued, leading to her acceptance of the head coach position for the Fort Dorchester Girls in 2011, further cementing her commitment to the community.
After taking over at Fort Dorchester in 2012, she transferred to Windsor Hill Elementary, showcasing her versatility within the educational system. Her exceptional contributions were recognized in 2015 when she was named the District Two Teacher of the Year, a testament to her pedagogical prowess before she eventually returned to Fort Dorchester and earned a degree in school administration, paving her way to her current historic role.
The Floyd family’s ties to the Patriots run deep; her husband, Bobby, has been a long-standing member of the football staff, and their children, Britain and Mac, matriculated through the district’s feeder schools before enrolling at Fort Dorchester. This familial connection underscores her personal investment in the success and well-being of the Fort Dorchester athletic programs and the broader community, ensuring a holistic approach to student-athlete development.
