Taylor Van Auken '21 Recruiting Profile

There are so many moments that can define the way someone grows and how they react in these moments can alter their life and how they live it. I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't playing softball. I've played many different sports in my lifetime, from soccer to taking Taekwondo to starting volleyball my eighth grade year. No matter how many sports I've played in the past or participate in now like basketball and volleyball, softball has been the only consistent one throughout my life. I've been in love with this sport since the age of 4 and I don't think that'll change anytime soon. This game has my heart because it challenges my to make impulsive decisions, makes me strategize about how to field and which base I'm going to next if I get the ball, and there is no better rush than getting a great hit; the screaming of your teammates and the parents, the irreversible smile on your face, and the knowledge that you just put your team a little closer to winning the game.

I've worked with a lot of coaches over the years and I try to take what they've taught me and help my teammates when they need it whether it's about their swing or just helping to keep their spirits up if they made a bad play. I try to be a leader even if I'm not the elected captain because that's what I was taught in my many years of Taekwondo and by my parents who instilled the phrase "Be a leader, not a follower." into my sister and I. I play hard because I love winning and people describe me as competitive. I agree. I want to play in college because I don't want softball to end in the short time in high school that I have left. I know I'll have to let go eventually but I'd rather put it on hold for another four years or so. I'm so thankful for the opportunities I've had and for those which I'm hoping will come.