JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Jacksonville assistant coach Allison Taylor will be leaving the Dolphins this fall to become the new head coach of Embry-Riddle women's rowing ahead of the 2026-27 season. Taylor has been on staff at JU since 2023.

"I've been so honored to have worked with Allison these last three years. We have been teammates, colleagues, co-workers, and have become friends all while serving our alma mater in our coaching roles," head coach Preston Weinard said. "She has done incredible work for our programs, and I'm very grateful for her commitment to the team. We will all miss Coach Allison, but we're lucky her next stop is not too far away! I wish her all the best and am so thrilled for her and her family. Always a Dolphin!"

Taylor has been an instrumental part of the Dolphins rise on the water in her four seasons with the program. In her time at JU, she's helped Jacksonville continue to elevate the standard on the water.

In her time on staff, she was a driving force in the program's recruiting efforts, helping bring in athletes that would lead the Dolphins to historic heights.

"The last three and a half years being back at JU are some of the best years of my life. This program is something incredibly special," Taylor said. "The guys and girls on the team have made the culture competitive and fun. Coach Preston has taken this program to new heights and he's not done! I'll forever be so thankful and grateful for his mentorship and friendship. I'm sad to be leaving but very excited for this next opportunity at Embry-Riddle. Always a Dolphin!"

Among the achievements during her time on staff are the best finish at IRA Nationals in school history in spring of 2025 and a victory by the Varsity Four at the Head of the Charles this past fall.

In the 2024 season, her second varsity eight crew competed at IRA Nationals, defeating Santa Clara on the national stage. She's also coached several crews to state championships at the FIRA Championships.

Off the water, the program continued to elevate off the water as well. The team set a new record with a 3.57 GPA for the 2025-26 academic season.

Taylor is a proud JU graduate, as well, rowing for the Dolphins during her time as a student-athlete.