Taylor Tonoian '18 Recruiting Profile

    Summer before my freshman year, I was following all the great athletes that were still in High School or getting ready to graduate.  As an incoming freshman I had already witnessed many great athletes being acknowledged all over the paper and seeing what great opportunities they have had. I couldn't wait for my opportunity and how awesome it would be to be acknowledged the same way.  I started playing softball when I was 5 years old and from the moment I picked up a ball, I was always told I was this great amazing athlete. Through the years,  many aspects of softball came very easy for me so I believed that it would always continue to be easy.  Starting Varsity my freshman year, I soon realized that the reality I had envisioned of everything being easy wasn't going to be the case any longer.  My coach didn't start me, I rode the bench and would sometimes hit the field.  Being on the bench was an eye opener for me. I learned quickly that I had to work even harder to prove myself in hopes of earning a spot on the field that I love to play on.  I also learned quickly how important it is to be a leader in the dugout, cheering on your team and being a team player no matter where you are on the field or the dugout.  No matter what, you have to work hard for what you want without expectations of what you think you deserve.

    I love the game of softball.  This sport is a challenge for me and I love it!  It's not just playing the game, its learning the plays inside and out.  The feeling you get when the game is tied and you have a runner on third with 2 outs, I can feel my blood running through me thinking, we need to make something happen! I am obsessed with the unknown, the unknown of what the outcome of the game will be. 

    My academic goals for high school and college is to be the best student athlete I can be.  I strive hard to maintain good grades.  I want a good education to carry with me no matter where I go in life.

    In my softball career thus far, being a student athlete has been difficult at times. There has been some pressure I have felt when it comes to school and softball. The demands are sometimes not simple tasks. I have learned being a student athlete when you feel tired, that is when you need to push harder, flip that switch, strive harder, work harder, be better than you were yesterday.  Do not get complacent with being average, go big or go home.  Do not expect things to be handed to you, if you want it bad enough, work for it!

    The softball field is where I can breathe and take it all in.  The field reminds me why I keep pushing myself to better than I was yesterday.