Coach Layner is an alumnus of Osceola High School, where he played four years of varsity baseball. His accomplishments on the field earned him widespread recognition, including being named Pinellas County Pitcher of the Year in 2009 and Pinellas County Player of the Year in 2011. That same year (2011), he was selected to the All-State Team and honored by having his #15 jersey retired by Osceola Fundamental High School in 2020.

After committing to Florida State University during his senior year, Coach Layner chose to begin his collegiate baseball journey at South Florida State Junior College in Avon Park, Florida. At SFSC, he made an immediate impact, hitting .330 during his freshman season. Despite undergoing two significant arm surgeries—shoulder surgery in 2012 and Tommy John surgery in 2014—Coach Layner demonstrated resilience and determination throughout his playing career.

He completed his collegiate career at Webber International University (2015–2016), an NAIA powerhouse. During his junior year, he was awarded a Gold Glove for his exceptional defensive play in the outfield. In his senior season, he returned to pitching and delivered an outstanding performance with 85.2 innings pitched, a 3.7 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and only 23 walks. Offensively, he excelled with a .349 batting average, 20 doubles, 44 RBIs, and a .434 OBP. These accomplishments earned him First Team All-Conference honors as a pitcher and Second Team All-Conference honors as an outfielder/hitter. As of Fall 2024, Coach Layner still holds Webber’s single-season record for doubles in a single season. (20).

Following his playing career, Coach Layner transitioned to coaching while completing his bachelor’s degree at Webber International University. As the Head JV Coach & Assistant Varsity Coach, he helped guide the program to its first-ever National Regional Appearance and a school-record for wins in a season.

In 2018, Coach Layner returned to Pinellas County to join Largo High School as an assistant baseball coach. In January 2019, he assumed leadership of the program as head coach. During this time, he also pursued his Professional Teaching License to teach at the high school level. Currently, Coach Layner serves as the Athletic Director, Department Head of the Business Education Program, and a Business Education teacher at Largo High School, all while leading the school’s baseball program. Coach is the winningest coach in program history with 69 wins as of Fall 2024.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Coach Layner is an AVID Chicago Cubs/Chicago Bears fan and enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, their two sons, Taylor Jr. (4) and Carter (2), and their beloved Black Lab, Sosa