SOFTBALL, South Range STEVIE TAYLOR
Stevie Taylor knew this year would be different.
Being the only senior on her team, Taylor was aware she was going to have to step up.
“It meant a lot to me,” Taylor said. “This year it was kind of surreal when [Coach Don Feren) was like ‘senior’ and I knew that came with a lot of responsibilities. I needed to perform and also be a good role model on and off the field.”
She was a role model in the batter’s box, hitting over .600 with 16 home runs. She also had 25 career home runs, ranking her in the top 15 on Ohio’s all-time list.
“Being relaxed worked a lot more,” Taylor said. “I knew this was my last chance as a South Range Raider to play softball and I just needed to leave it on the field every single game.”
With her impressive hitting, she led the Raiders to a 24-6 record and a Division III regional semifinal appearance.
“That was huge for me considering we hadn’t done that since my freshman year,” Taylor said about winning the district title, beating Ursuline 5-4. “It was extremely exciting and I know its a great push for all of our girls who are younger.”
Taylor mentioned the loss in the regional semifinal being extra tough for a couple reasons.
“The final game was really emotional,” Taylor said. “One, it was the same place we got knocked out my freshman year. Two, it was the last time playing with my sister [Codi].”
Even with all the great numbers, Taylor is undecided about where she is going to play college softball.
However, she does know she is going to miss the culture around South Range softball.
“Looking back on my four years, it was kind of like a big family,” Taylor said. “It’s like leaving a whole different life behind.”
Taylor is aware the next time she plays softball, her sister Codi, won’t be on the team.
“I’m going to miss playing with my sister the most,” Taylor said.