A Collierville Middle School girls basketball coach is facing a slate of drug and weapons charges after investigators say they found a large cache of drugs and several handguns inside her home. The coach, 46-year-old Starry Taylor, is being held on a $125,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 16. The arrest comes just weeks after the middle-school season wrapped in early February and is already raising eyebrows about how the district vets and appoints non-faculty coaches.
Investigators Say a Cocaine-Laced Package Sparked the Raid
According to an affidavit reviewed by WREG, investigators intercepted a suspicious package that tested positive for cocaine, then moved in with a search warrant at a Collierville residence. The affidavit states that officers recovered about 12.9 pounds of marijuana, multiple handguns, digital scales, and roughly $2,390 in cash. Documents also say the suspected cocaine from the intercepted package tested positive, and note that Taylor has a prior drug conviction for possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell.
Non-Faculty, Part-Time Gig Now Under the Microscope
State and school listings identify Taylor as the head girls basketball coach at Collierville Middle School, while the TSSAA directory lists her as a non-faculty coach. That status typically points to an annually appointed or part-time role rather than a full-time district position. With the team’s season already finished in early February, district leaders are now weighing next steps for the program as the case moves through the courts.
Felony Charges, Five-Figure Bond and a March Court Date
Taylor faces multiple felony counts, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell (cocaine), possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, as reported by WREG. Jail records show she is being held on a $125,000 bond and is set to appear in court on March 16. Authorities say the investigation started after the intercepted package triggered a narcotics probe, and they note that additional charges could be filed as the case develops.
Legal Note
The counts listed in the affidavit are felonies under Tennessee law and will be handled in Shelby County criminal court. Taylor is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Her upcoming court appearance is the next procedural step, where prosecutors may outline any further filings and set additional dates.
In the meantime, the Collierville community and families tied to the middle-school program are waiting for more information while prosecutors continue their investigation. Officials have asked anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement, and the district has said it will update families as appropriate.
