Dedication, leadership and hard work have always been characteristics that junior Taylor Griffith shows on both the basketball court and the softball field.
Griffith made the varsity softball and basketball teams as an underclassman, proving that hard work towards a goal opens a new realm of possibilities.
“She is definitely a leader,” senior and captain Shelbey Farr said. “[Griffith] leads the outfield very well and sets a great example for those around her. I love being able to depend on her to pick up her teammates and to always have a positive attitude.”
Griffith’s work ethic inspires the whole team, from the experienced seniors to the freshman rookie. Using her passion for the sport, she leads the team and motivates them to keep a positive attitude even on bad days.
Knowing the pressure that being an underclassman on a varsity team brings, Griffith is always cheering freshman Kamara Steverson on and being a constant reminder to keep her head up.
“The first time I started on varsity, there were a couple of people I looked up to and Taylor is one of them,¨ Steverson said.
As a student-athlete, Griffith brings her dedication much farther than just the playing field, which does not go unrecognized.
“She is a really good kid and she’s a heck of an athlete. She is a good student who works hard in the classroom,” athletic director Jerry Klekotka said.
Family plays an important role in Griffith´s life. Both of her parents can be seen in the stands at every game which has fueled her motivation to work hard and be a leader.
With the support of her family, especially her mother, Griffith has pushed herself to be the player she is today.
¨My mom will help me practice on the side. We both have that drive for the sport,¨ Griffith said.
At the end of the day the most important thing to Griffith is the team. She hopes younger players will step up to fill the shoes of the seniors and most importantly work together towards keeping the team motto alive: getting better every day.
“Work hard on the side because just doing what you want to do at practice isn’t going to get you where you want to go. Always try to be a leader because that’s important for the future,¨ Griffith said.
