Proud Member of Miawpukek First Nation ISCA Sports Program Coordinator
Motivational Speaker with Speakers Bureau of Canada | BKin | MSc Kinesiology from University of Alberta
2025 CSG Women’s Wrestling Head Coach
Taylor McPherson is more than an athlete—she’s a leader, a coach, a role model, and a changemaker. Proudly Mi’kmaw from the Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador, Taylor has transformed every space she enters—whether it’s a wrestling mat, a national television stage, or the heart of a remote Indigenous community—into a platform for empowerment, excellence, and purpose. She first made waves as a decorated wrestler at the University of Alberta, where she competed as part of the Pandas wrestling team. Wrestling wasn’t just sport for Taylor—it was a crucible for leadership, discipline, and self-mastery. Her time on the team sharpened her mental grit, built lifelong bonds, and gave her the foundation to coach and uplift others. She didn’t just train—she led. As a coach, Taylor became a mentor for younger athletes, especially Indigenous youth navigating their own path through sports and school. She understood the power of representation and made sure to be the voice and presence she wished she had growing up. But wrestling was only the beginning. Taylor stepped onto the national stage when she and her close friend and former teammate Katie Mulkay entered—and won—Season 10 of The Amazing Race Canada, becoming only the second all-female team in the show’s history to clinch the title. The victory wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual, emotional, and deeply symbolic. Every step of the race was grounded in their shared values: trust, resilience, teamwork, and an unshakable commitment to each other and their communities. The win was a breakthrough moment—not just for Taylor and Katie, but for Indigenous women and girls across Canada. Taylor became a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets purpose. Her journey inspired thousands and created a powerful new chapter in the representation of Indigenous excellence in mainstream media.
But Taylor didn’t stop to rest—she used the momentum to build even more impact. A recent graduate with a Master of Science in Kinesiology, she has combined her academic expertise, athletic background, and cultural knowledge to uplift Indigenous youth. As one of the founding members of the Spiritual Holistic Exercise Den (SHED)—an initiative she co-developed with fellow university students—Taylor works to provide access to sports equipment, physical wellness, and leadership training directly in Indigenous communities. SHED empowers youth to grow into confident, healthy, and culturally grounded leaders. It’s about more than exercise—it’s about healing, pride, and reconnection.
Taylor is deeply committed to making SHED self-sustaining and scalable, expanding its reach while staying rooted in community values. The program doesn’t just drop off equipment and leave—it stays, teaches, builds leaders, and creates long-term, positive transformation.
As a coach, public speaker, and event facilitator, Taylor brings heart and authenticity into every room she enters. Her talks resonate with young people, educators, and community leaders alike. She speaks from the soul about overcoming adversity, believing in yourself, and fighting for your dreams. Her storytelling blends lived experience, Mi’kmaw cultural pride, and unshakable optimism. Taylor is also a fierce advocate for Indigenous visibility and youth leadership. She collaborates with schools, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations to create inclusive programs that center Indigenous voices. Her coaching goes beyond sports—she coaches life skills, confidence, and cultural strength.
And while her calendar is full of speaking engagements, community collaborations, and future SHED expansions, Taylor still finds time for what grounds her: being outdoors, connecting with her roots, and continuing to dream alongside her teammate and friend Katie. Together, they are planning future initiatives that build bridges between sports, culture, and empowerment. Her story is not just about crossing a finish line. It’s about opening new lanes for others to run in. It’s about showing that Indigenous girls from small communities can stand on national stages, win races, lead programs, and spark generational change.
Taylor McPherson is not done. She’s just getting started—and her journey is already shaping the next generation of athletes, leaders, and Indigenous change-makers across Canada.
