We recently had the chance to connect with Taylor Rochestie and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
It’s easy to say that all 3 are important to me, but I need the energy to excel in the other 2. My life is built around energy, surrounding myself with the right people, doing what I love, and taking care of my body. It seems that the more energy I have the more I can take on, the more I wan to learn, to grow and experience life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taylor Rochestie and I am an ex-professional basketball player that lives in Houston, TX. I own a sports training facility called One World Academy, that is an all-in-one approach to player development. One World Academy offers on and off the court training for most sports, as well as education, physical therapy and rehab, among other things. Our goal to be develop athletes into being the best versions on themselves as athletes and as human beings.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without question, my relationship with God is number one, two, and three when it comes to level of importance in shaping me as a person, but if I had to say one person, it would be my wife, Agathe. Not only is she my best friend and the person I spend my life with, we have traveled the world and experienced life together. As a pro athlete traveling the world, we often changed environments and cities and countries, needing to rely on each other to create our own version of “home.” She is from France, and has opened my eyes to a new culture, an extended family, and we have created a life together as one. With each event, relationship, and encounter in life, I can see the world through my eyes and hers as well.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering can be an incredible judge of character, and in some cases, help you become stronger and more resilient as a a person. It’s easy to feel good and to think highly of yourself and your surroundings when things are going well. It’s easy to use words of encouragement and love when things are going your way. But when the chips are down, you’re dealing with adversity and pain, what kind of person do you become. While there are very different levels of suffering and pain, you learn a lot about yourself in these moments. For me, suffering is when internal communication and external actions are put to the test. What type of thoughts I have and how I act on them become more difficult in times of suffering. I have learned to turn to “action” instead of “reaction” for my suffering. Through adversity I lean into the pillars of my faith, family, and my firm foundation of beliefs to help me through.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Basketball is a very tough industry to make it to the top. Ego, competition, luck, injuries, dedication, and so many other aspects, have to all come together to create a top level athlete that can endure years of improvement and circumstance. The lie’s are everywhere. You need to do this, or do that. You need to go to this camp or that camp. You need to change teams. Parents lie to themselves about whats good for the kids. Kids lie to themselves, thinking they are working hard, not realizing what it really takes to make it. Coaches lying to kids to use them for their teams. Kids are exhausted, confused, anxious, and overwhelmed, in a world where we should be “enjoying the game.” The biggest lie is that the industry says “it’s for the kids,” yet we dont provide the kids with what they need. They need to be well rounded, hard working, respectful kids that are given the right opportunities and resources to be successful in “ALL” that they do, not just basketball. Provide them within a blueprint for life, not just for their sport.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell stories about themselves and what they plan to do in their lives. I hope they use me to gain strength and love for the world and I encourage them to be their best self.
Contact Info:
- Website: OWAbasketball.com TaylorRochestie.com
- Instagram: trochestie
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