Beyond the court: Mary Taylor Cowles

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Former Western Kentucky University player and longtime coach Mary Taylor Cowles is returning to her roots in south-central Kentucky this week, hosting a special event aimed at raising awareness and support for multiple sclerosis research.

Cowles, who is currently the head girls basketball coach at Davidson Academy in Nashville, says the upcoming fundraiser combines her love of basketball, community and advocacy for a disease that has personally impacted her life.

“I’m currently coaching Davidson Academy in Nashville,” Cowles said during an interview. “But this event is really about bringing people together for something much bigger than basketball.”

Cowles’ basketball journey began in Benton, Kentucky, where she starred at Marshall County High School before being recruited to play at WKU. She spent four years as a Lady Topper player, later completing her degree after a fifth year in college.

After graduating with a teaching degree, Cowles began her coaching and education career at Franklin-Simpson High School before moving to Greenwood High School, where she had completed her student teaching.

Her connection to WKU continued when she returned to the program as an assistant coach, a role she held for eight years. She later became head coach of the Lady Toppers, a position she held for 10 seasons before stepping away following coaching changes within the program.

Cowles later transitioned to Nashville, where she spent nearly a decade coaching before taking her current position at Davidson Academy.

Now, her focus includes raising awareness for multiple sclerosis, a disease she was diagnosed with in 2019. Cowles has since become involved in advocacy efforts and serves on the MS board for the Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana region.

She says the diagnosis has reshaped her perspective on life, health and community.

“My MS has truly taken away my ability to play basketball and my ability to run like I used to,” Cowles said in a written statement. “But I am committed to doing what I can, both physically and mentally, to stay in the best possible shape and to help others facing this disease.”

That mission is at the center of Thursday night’s event at Pleasant Hill Farms in Bowling Green.

The gathering, scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., will coincide with NFL Draft coverage and serve as a fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cowles said all proceeds from the event will go directly toward MS research and support services.

A key focus of the night will be Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a top NFL Draft prospect. Mendoza’s mother has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years and now uses a wheelchair, a connection Cowles says helped inspire the event.

“We’re going to celebrate Fernando and also support the MS community,” Cowles said. “His family’s story really connects with what so many people are going through.”

The event will feature draft viewing on multiple large screens, food and a live auction led by Cowles’ son, Corbin Cowles, a licensed auctioneer.

Items up for bid include a box at Keeneland, along with other donated experiences and packages. Organizers say the goal is to create a lively atmosphere while maximizing fundraising efforts.

Cowles emphasized that every dollar raised will benefit the MS Society.

“All proceeds are going back to MS,” she said. “One hundred percent.”

For Cowles, the event is also personal. Since her diagnosis, she has spoken openly about the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis while continuing her coaching career and advocacy work.

She says support from family, friends and the broader community has played a critical role in her journey.

As Thursday’s event approaches, Cowles hopes the Bowling Green community will turn out not only for football and festivities but also for a cause she says continues to impact thousands of families.

“We just want people to come out, have fun and support something that really matters,” she said.