For White County High School Warriorettes softball player Mabry Taylor, the journey to the pitching circle has been more than a decade in the making.
Taylor has played softball for 14 years, first stepping onto the field as a young tee-ball player after her father introduced her to the sport. Like many players just starting out, Taylor said she spent time trying to figure out where she belonged defensively.
At first, she thought that place might be behind the plate.Taylor said she remembered trying to find a position early again, at first looking to be a catcher before realizing that did not work. Taylor said the transition from catcher to pitcher was not easy. Taylor said the mental aspect of pitching quickly became one of the biggest challenges she faced as she developed her game.
“Having to think about what the hitter’s going to do and also having to think about your body mechanics as you throw different pitches is just a lot,” Taylor said. “It’s everything I’ve been working for and I just like being able to represent my community and I’m hoping I’m doing it well.”
Now a senior, Taylor said she has grown comfortable in the circle and has become a key part of the Warriorettes’ pitching staff. The role fits her competitive mindset, especially when it comes to controlling the pace of the game.
“I like throwing my movement pitches and just helping my team up,” Taylor said. “[I’m] making sure they can’t hit. There’s a lot of great hitters and I want to make sure they work for it instead of giving it up.”
Taylor said she consistently throws five different pitches, giving her a variety of options to challenge opposing hitters. Her experience also plays a major role in the team’s leadership. Taylor is one of five seniors on this year’s roster, a group she said helps steady the team when younger players feel the pressure of varsity competition.
“I feel like the seniors are really good leaders and it helps calm the nerves of the younger girls a lot,” Taylor said. “The seniors have good leadership and they calm the nerves of the freshmen.”
Taylor’s growth in the circle has also translated into measurable success. Entering the season, she had recorded 130 career strikeouts, putting her within reach of a personal milestone she hopes to achieve before the season ends.
Taylor said she is aiming to reach 200 career strikeouts, a mark that would reflect the work she has put into the sport since those early tee-ball days.