About Coach Wagner

Taylor Wagner enters his 8th season as the head coach of the Lady Rattlers. Last season his team played in the championship game of the Region IX final for the second straight year. The Lady Rattlers finished the season 25-6; were the Region IX South Sub-Region Champions, and were ranked 8th in the nation academically. Coach Wagner was awarded Region IX Coach of the Year honors for his team’s successful 2010-2011 season.

On December 11, 2010, in a victory over North Platte, Coach Wagner became the coaching career leader with 138 wins at Otero. At the beginning of the 2011-2012 season, his win-loss record for his career stands at 154-60.

The Lady Rattlers have also succeeded in the classroom under Coach Wagner. His teams have been ranked in the top 25 nationally for six out of the last seven years. He has coached five Distinguished Academic All-Americans, five Academic All-Americans, and 40 Academic All-Region players.

Coach Wagner has had 33 players move on to different universities to continue their athletic eligibility. He has had the privilege to coach nine All-Region players, and 10-All Tournament selections.

Before becoming the head coach, Coach Wagner was an assistant coach for the Otero men’s and women’s basketball teams during the 2003-2004 season. During that year the Otero men’s team had their most successful season and ended the year with a 27-4 record. The Otero women’s team finished the year 25-6 and made a trip to the Region IX championship game. Coach Wagner coached the women in the semi-final game in a win over Casper College to get them into the championship game.

As a player for Otero Junior College, Coach Wagner found the same success that he’s had as a coach. During the 1997-1999 seasons Wagner was their leading scorer, and named to the All-Region athletic team for both his freshman and sophomore years. He was also team captain his sophomore year. He left Otero as the schools 9th all-time leading scorer. He was also named to the Academic All-Region team and graduated Cum Laude from Otero Junior College.

Coach Wagner finished is playing career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. He was voted best defensive player in his junior and senior seasons. He received the Rebounders Booster Club award for the player who best displays the qualities of sportsmanship and leadership. He was a team captain and named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention team his senior year. For his career he finished as the school’s No. 2 all-time three-point and free throw accuracy man at .438 and .848. He also ranked No.6 on the career list for threes made.

Coach Wagner graduated with a business administration degree from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. After graduation, he worked as an assistant coach for the UAA men’s team for two years.

Coach Wagner played his high school basketball at Alta High School located in Sandy, Utah.  During his playing years he was part of the 1992 state championship team.  His senior year he received All-State and region MVP honors.

Coach Wagner and his wife Emillie have four daughters.