Softball is a big part of Taya Ross’ life and it has been for quite a long time. She plays fastpitch and slowpitch for the Stilwell Lady Indians and can play anywhere she is needed. It comes as no surprise that her biggest role models would be some of the defending National Champion University of Oklahoma softball team.

“Some of the people I look up to the most are Jocelyn Alo, Kenzie Hanson, Jayda Coleman, Grace Lyons, and coach Patty Gasso,” Ross stated. “These girls are my role models because they are very good and have good attitudes. And when they mess up they fix it and go on to the next play. I have always liked Patty Gasso because of her coaching and how she gets her team to become one. Patty Gasso is the number one coach in my eyes, and the team she coaches is great. OU Softball has everything I want.”

Taya is a junior at Stilwell High School. Along with softball she is also a member of the powerlifting team and the Spanish Club.

Stilwell softball coach Kyle Decker says that Taya never holds back when she is on the field and he is expecting big things this season.

“Taya is a young lady who plays with a lot of heart,” Decker said. “She always leaves it all in the field. She is our spark plug and does a great job helping lead this team. She hit over .400 as a freshman and hit .367 last season. We look for her to have a great junior season.”

The teammates that she plays alongside have also played a big role in Ross’ development as a softball player.

“Kately Wilson is the one that I enjoy practicing with the most,” she said. “She works just as hard as I do and that makes her a good challenge for me. One of the under appreciated players on our team would have to be Madison Ingram because she works hard and comes to every practice but seems like she don’t get enough playing time.”