Twin Tornado: How Taryn and Taylor Barbot Are Powering a Historic Season for CofC Women’s Basketball
Sophomores Taryn and Taylor Barbot are leading the Cougars to one of their best seasons in program history
When the College of Charleston women’s basketball team takes the floor, there’s an energy that’s impossible to miss. It’s fast, relentless, and electrifying—just like the twin guards at the heart of it all. Sophomores Taryn and Taylor Barbot, better known as the “Tornado Twins,” are not only leading the Cougars to one of their best seasons in program history, they’re redefining what it means to be teammates, competitors, and program-builders.
One Storm, Two Forces
Despite being twins, the Barbots are anything but identical in their approach. Taryn, the more outgoing of the two, is the Cougars’ go-to scorer, putting up numbers that demand national attention. She was the CAA Rookie of the Year last season and hasn’t slowed down since—averaging 15.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this year. Her ability to score at all three levels makes her a nightmare for defenses, and just this past Sunday, she torched UNCW for 40 points, tying the CofC single-game record.
Taylor, on the other hand, thrives in the role of floor general. A tireless worker, she spent last season learning behind veteran point guard Jenna Annecchiarico and has emerged as one of the best playmakers in the conference. She’s averaging 12.1 points and 4.4 assists per game, setting the tone for a team that leads the CAA in scoring (77.1 PPG) and defensive pressure (forcing nearly 27 turnovers per game). In that same win over UNCW, Taylor posted a double-double with 16 points and a career-high 12 assists.
“They just don’t stop,” head coach Robin Harmony told The Post and Courier. “Taryn has that scorer’s mentality, and Taylor sees the floor like a coach. When you have two players like that leading your team, you’ve got something special.”
The Barbots’ bond extends far beyond the court. Growing up in Floral Park, NY, they developed their chemistry in driveway games and AAU battles long before arriving at Charleston. Their father, Theran, saw their potential early on when other parents marveled at their skill. But it wasn’t just natural talent—it was an obsession with getting better.
“We’d be driving home from practice, and all they’d talk about was basketball—what they could do better, what plays they liked, how to adjust,” Theran told WCSC Live 5 News. “It’s just who they are.”
That chemistry is evident every game. They anticipate each other’s moves, finish each other’s plays, and, most importantly, lift each other up. Even when they battle in one-on-one games (Taryn claims she wins most of them), it’s all about making each other better.
A Culture of Unselfishness
What makes this season so special isn’t just the numbers the Barbots are putting up—it’s the way they’re leading. Their selflessness and team-first mentality are contagious. They push their teammates to be better, demand the most out of each other, and set a standard for excellence that has CofC eyeing a conference title and beyond.
“Taylor works harder than anybody I’ve ever coached,” Harmony told The Post and Courier. “And Taryn? She’s one of the most natural scorers we’ve had in this program. But what sets them apart is their willingness to do whatever it takes to win.”
With March Madness in sight, the Barbots have CofC fans dreaming big. The team has already knocked off Power 4 opponent Northwestern, secured a double bye in the CAA Tournament, and is positioned for a historic postseason run.
The 2024-25 season has become a program-changing one. And at the center of it all, swirling like a twin-fueled storm, are two of the best guards in the conference, determined to make CofC history.
Up Next: The Cougars hit the road for their final regular season away game against Campbell on March 6.
One thing is certain—wherever the Tornado Twins go, they bring a storm with them.
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