Chattanooga women’s basketball welcomed its newest addition from the transfer portal on Tuesday, with the Mocs adding Valdosta State’s Taylor Searcey, as announced by head coach Deandra Schirmer.
Having spent her previous four years playing under Coach Schirmer at VSU, Searcey will now bring her final year of eligibility to the Scenic City as the multi-time All-Gulf South Conference selection reunites with her former head coach.
“Taylor is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” Schirmer said.
“She is the true definition of a champion, and she does all the little things needed to succeed. If I’m going to war, I want her with me.”
“I have no doubt that she will quickly become a fan favorite player Her grit and toughness are unmatched.”
Searcey is coming off back-to-back seasons in which she was named Second Team All-Conference, having averaged 9.7 points/game and 5.5 rebounds/game last year while leading the team in scoring (12.4 points/game) and rebounding (7.0 rebounds/game) in 2022-23.
This past season also saw Searcey rank third in the Gulf South Conference when it came to assists (4.1 assists/game) while also ranking fifth in the league in steals/game (2.0). Over Searcey’s four-year career with the Lady Blazers, Searcey ended up recording 800 total points, 459 rebounds, 266 assists, 150 steals and 11 blocks.
While at VSU, Searcey helped guide the Lady Blazers to the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of her four seasons with the team, including reaching the Elite Eight in 2022. Searcey also helped Valdosta State clinch Gulf South Conference regular season titles in 2024 and 2021, as well as claiming the GSC Tournament crown in 2024.
A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Searcey attended Lincoln East High School prior to her collegiate career, where she was a multi-sport star for the Spartans. Aside from raking in numerous individual basketball honors as well as a State Runner-Up finish in 2020, Searcey was a two-time state champion in cross country along with earning the 2018 state title in the 3200 meter relay. Searcey is also the state record holder in that event, with her group’s time of 9:12.70 remaining unbeaten to this day.
Born March 27, 2002, Searcey is the daughter of Deb and Jeff Searcey. Deb (mother) played college basketball at Fort Hays State University, where she helped the Tigers win the 1990-91 NAIA National Championship, while Jeff (father) played college football at Nebraska Wesleyan. Searcey intends on pursuing her MBA from Chattanooga upon arriving on campus later this year.