Taylor Sanborn (2021 C/OF) Midland HS & Mid-Michigan Firestix
Taylor made her RISE debut at the Michigan Holiday Showcase on December 28th, 2019 at 5 Star Sports & Training Center in Troy, MI. Taylor is well built player, w/ a strong lower half (5’10” 175lb). She is a disciplined a base runner, w/ good instincts. Taylor ran a 3.24 Home to 1st, and a 13.26 Home to Home times. At the plate, Taylor has a fundamentally sound swing, w/ a soft-subtle stride and limited head movement. A middle of the order run producer, Taylor showed off her 66mph, by driving balls gap-to-gap, and the ability to drive them out of the park. In the outfield, Taylor showed average defensive abilities, w/ a plus arm. Her ¾ arm slot and repeatable arm circle, generates strong back spin through her target. Her outfield arm recorded at 57mph (Top Performer). Behind the dish is where Taylor shined. A sound receiver, w/ limited body movements, Taylor display soft hands in both stances. Taylor has a clean, to the mid-point of the chest transfer, allowing her body to stay in rhythm on her throws. Depending upon the pitch & location, Taylor has plus catch & throwing accuracy from her knees or feet. She measured a 1.81 pop, w/ a 59mph arm velocity (Top Performer). Taylor projects as a plus defender at the college level, w/ the ability to hit in the middle of the order. She will continue to develop more home run power with added strength.
Off the Dirt, Taylor maintains a 4.26 GPA at Midland HS. Taylor plans on majoring in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems with an emphasis in Cyber Security or Digital Forensics. Her dream job would be to work for a major corporation or company as a Data Security Leader.
Recently, RISE Softball was able to catch up with Taylor for a brief Q&A:
RISE: Prior to the COVID-19, how were you preparing/ approaching your high school softball season (goals, mindset, etc?)
Taylor: Since the end of high school season last June, I have been thinking about the ways I want to improve not only as a player but as a leader. High school softball is a unique chance to not only compete against great athletes in our area but also play the sport I love alongside some of my best friends. So every season I commit to giving 100% to my team and the program I get to represent. Going into this season, following a lot of hard work and reps in the off season, I was looking to make a big impact on the offensive side of the game. I was looking to improve on not only the statistics of my game, like batting average and slugging percentage, but on my mentality when I get into the box. One of my main goals for this season was to take full advantage of my physical ability by being more aggressive and confident when I stepped up to the plate. As from a defensive side, being a catcher, my priorities lie with making my pitcher look good and doing my job to make sure I communicate well with my team, and play my position to the best of my ability. I have worked this off season on increasing my arm strength and with that my pop time, along simplifying my setup behind the plate. I was looking forward to getting to demonstrate that hard work and progress this season.
RISE: What was your initial thoughts once the announcement was made that the remaining school year and all sports are cancelled?
Taylor: I was crushed when I found out that our school year and our season was cancelled. From an academic perspective, my immediate reaction was nervousness over how standardized testing would work out and what online learning would look like? And I was also heartbroken over the fact that I wouldn’t be able to return to the Chemic community I love so much, not to mention how sad I was for all of the seniors who would be losing out on so many lasts that all students work for throughout their 12 years of school. As for softball, I as speechless. I along with so many others look forward to high school softball season all year long. To find out that I wouldn’t have the chance to take the field along side my teammates and coaches, or be able play the game I love and compete for my school this spring; I truly had no words.
RISE: What have you been doing to stay prepared for softball?
Taylor: I have been taking advantage of all of the nice weather we have been having in order to stay ready for travel softball this summer. I am very fortunate to have a dad who is always willing to work with me. Whether it is playing catch or throwing soft toss, or even just offering feedback while I take swings off the tee. I have been able to improve my exit velocity by 6mph from 66mph to 72mph. I have had to change my mindset, and now my focus is on being as mentally & physically ready for summer softball as I can be. I have been trying to do a lot of conditioning and running in hopes to improve my speed as that is one of the weaker part of my game.
RISE: What other things have occupied your time during the quarantine?
Taylor: I have been working hard to stay on top of my online learning to the best of my ability, as it is a rapidly evolving situation for everyone. Aside from softball related activities, I have had time to channel my creativity a lot more than I normally do. I have been able to draw a lot and freshen up my ukulele skills; two things that I have had hardly any time to do since last summer. Perhaps my favorite thing about this quarantine has been being able to spend so much time with my family and dogs. Life often gets very busy for us and to have time in April to relax and spend time together is very different from what we are used to but, it has been really nice.
RISE: Favorite Softball Moment
Taylor: I have had so many fantastic memories playing softball it is hard for me to just pick one. Every time I take the field, I try to appreciate my time with my teammates and coaches playing the game I love. As cliché as it sounds you really never know when your last time taking the field will be. Anything can change in a matter of seconds, and everything that has happened regarding COVID – 19 has only made me realize how real that saying is, and has made me more grateful for the time that I can and have been able to spend playing softball.