Coach Layner played four years of high school baseball at Osceola High School. In 2009 he was Pinellas County Pitcher of the Year, and in 2011 he was the Pinellas County Player of the Year. In 2011, Layner was also named to the All-State Team. Coach Layner’s #15 jersey was retired in 2020 by Osceola Fundamental High School. After committing to Florida State University his senior year, Layner opted to attend South Florida State Junior College in Avon Park, Florida. While at South Florida State, he hit 330 his Freshman Year. While at SFSC, Coach Layner underwent two(2) arm surgeries (Shoulder 2012, Tommy John 2014). 

 

He finished his playing career at NAIA Powerhouse Webber International University (2015-2016). Coach Layner was awarded a Gold Glove for his play in the Outfield during his JR Season. In his SR Season at Webber, he rehabbed to return to the mound for the first time since 2014. Layner took advantage of the opportunity of his last year of eligibility by delivering 85.2 innings with a 3.7 ERA and 77 Strikeouts as opposed to just 23 walks. Offensively that year, he had a .349 AVG with 20 doubles, 44 RBI’s, and a .434 OBP%. His SR Year Performance both Offensively and Defensively was enough to award him First Team All-Conference as a Pitcher and Second Team All-Conference as an Outfielder/Hitter. As of Spring 2024, Layner still holds the school record for doubles in a season with 20.

 

Once Coach Layner retired from playing baseball, he decided to stay at Webber to be an Assistant Coach while finishing his Bachelor’s Degree. While coaching at Webber, the team earned their first-ever National Regional Appearance and set the school record for wins in a season. Coach Layner then decided to come back to Pinellas County, where he would assist at Largo High for the Spring of 2018, until he took over in January of 2019. While assisting, he worked towards his Professional Teaching License to teach at the high school level. He currently is the Athletic Director, Department Head of the Business Education Program, and teaches Business Education at Largo High School, on top of Leading the Baseball Program. 

 

In his spare time, Coach enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda, their 3-year old son Taylor Jr, 1-year old son Carter, and their Black Lab Sosa.