In 2014, the NCAA reported that 6% percent of U.S. high school athletes get the opportunity to take their sport to the next level and play in college. One of Fastpitch’s very own beat these odds and is fulfilling her dream of playing at the collegiate level.

Senior Molly Taylor is only one of two Fastpitch athletes to be recruited during her time at McGuinness. Taylor has committed to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, a school that sought her out over the summer while she was at one of their training camps.

“I went to a camp, and at the end they told me they wanted to offer me $12,000 to come play for them,” Taylor said. “I was in shock.”

OKWU’s softball program has seen success in recent years under Head Coach Shawn Woods. It is this success and the friendliness of the team that resonated with Taylor.

“The girls seemed to have so much fun, and the coach was really nice,” Taylor said. “That’s what stood out to me the most.”

Taylor attributes much of the success that led to her recruitment to the Fastpitch staff and coaching apparatus.

“Coach Kaylee really helped me develop my outfield skills,” Taylor said. “Without her, I probably wouldn’t be playing college softball.”

College can be a big transition for athletes and everyone alike, but Taylor sees the newfound freedom and responsibilities as an opportunity to set goals and push herself.

“My goal is to start on the junior varsity team my freshman year, but I’m honestly excited to live on my own and take responsibility for my own schedule,” Taylor said.

Outside of athletics, Taylor is excited to continue her education and representation of the school after graduation.

“I want to represent McGuinness softball and show how much the program has grown,” Taylor said. “The biggest thing I want to represent is the community we’ve built.”

Taylor plans to study graphic design and marketing.