Athletes at all levels of competition know that you have to be willing to invest time and effort in order to be successful. Preston’s Taylan Starr says that for her it is a simple formula to be her best.

“It takes practice, practice, and more practice,” Starr said. “You also have to have patience in order to be able to keep improving.”

Starr is a freshman at Preston High School and she is a member of the softball and basketball teams. She says that when game day rolls around, she has one thing that she does that helps her to be focused and ready to compete.

“Erick Thoms is my favorite motivational speaker,” Taylan said. “I listed to his social media videos every game day to help prepare myself for the game.”

Preston softball coach Jim Hurst says that he is excited to have Taylan on his team this season.

“Taylan is a very talented incoming freshman,” coach Hurst said. “She has several acquired awards. She was the shortstop of the Oklahoma team that won the Little League Softball World Series. She is a five tool player with speed, great glove, great arm, hits for average and power. She will pitch and play shortstop for us this year.”

Though she has made a lot of memories throughout her career, Starr says that winning the World Series was by far her favorite.

“The highlight of my career would have to be winning the Little League World Series,” she said. “It was awesome to accomplish that alongside all of my teammates and to
see all the people that supported us.”

Taylan has put in the work to get where she is, but she also knows that she would not of been able to do all she has done without the help and support of a few special people.

“God and my parents are the biggest role models in my life,” Starr said. “Without them I would not have accomplished anything that I have.

Also, my teacher Mrs. Beets has had a big influence on me. She’s always been such a positive and happy person. She can make anyone in the room smile, and I strive to be like her everyday.