Taryn Baxter, a former four-year standout at Mercyhurst, is in her first season as an assistant coach with the Youngstown State women's soccer program.
Baxter was a four-year starting defender for the Lakers from 2019-23, and she played in 78 career games. During her time at Mercyhurst, Baxter scored seven goals with seven assists for a total of 21 points.
She also finished her career with 66 shots, 30 shots on goal and three game-winning goals.
While at Mercyhurst, Baxter was the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, a two-time United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American 2021 and 2023, and a four-time All-PSAC West selection.
Prior to joining the Penguins, Baxter coached the Spokane Shadow in the WPSL & CPL in 2025 and both teams qualified for the postseason.
She also played for the Spokane Shadow of the WPSL from 2019 – 2024 and was named the WPSL Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
She graduated from Mercyhurst in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in English, professional and technical writing, and she earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2024.
