Elite Commit: Taylor Day (2026); OF/UTL; BSC Bengals 16R; (Purdue University)

Who are you? I am a scholar and an athlete, but more importantly, I am a child of God, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, and a friend. And for all those people who refer to me as any of those, they are the reason why I work hard. They are the reason I wake up early, work out, and get good grades. They are my drive.



How did your softball journey begin? I started playing when I was 11. I played soccer before softball, and my dad’s friend suggested I try it out. When I did, I knew I couldn’t go back.



What are your greatest strengths as a softball player? My greatest strength (and possibly a weakness) is my striving for perfection. I always want more and to do better than I did the day before. 



What kind of hitter are you, and what are your most recent offensive stats? I’m the kind of hitter that gets a job done, whatever you need - I’ll get it done. Whether that be a bunt or a big-time hit, I’m always ready for the occasion. I love to hit and be in the batter's box. The most recent offensive stats for the HS season ‘25 are .606 avg./1.636 OPS/27 1B/7 2B/2 3B/5 HR/28 RBIs.

What is your favorite sports memory and greatest achievement? My favorite memory was winning the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) high school championship with some of my best friends last spring. My greatest achievement so far is committing to Purdue University! Boiler Up Hammer Down!

How do you handle adversity and even failure? 

I handle it by working harder and not dwelling on the failure, but learning from it. A great coach and man told me, “Failure isn’t real, you never fail, you either win or you learn.”

How would your teammates and friends describe you? I think they would describe me as funny and energetic. I’m always living on the field and getting excited for my teammates when they make plays.



Who is your role model and or idol, and why? I don’t have one specific role model, but I look up to many. All the coaches and players who have helped me (and whom I have looked up to) have all played a role in making me who I am. I am forever grateful to them.



If you could spend a day with any softball player, former or current, who would it be and why? That is a great question. I would want to spend a day with Jocelyn Alo. She is my favorite softball player and growing up watching her inspired me to become a great player. I would ask her about her work ethic and what she did in the box before an at-bat, and before games to prepare herself.

You're a Purdue commit, but what else is your softball dream/goal? I want to become a Gold Glove Winner and win a National Championship for my school.

Why did you choose Purdue to further your softball career? The coaches were honestly a big reason why I wanted to be a Boiler. Coach Maggie and the rest of the staff are so sweet, and they care so much about the players and the game that I couldn’t have asked for a better coaching staff. 

What are the most memorable things you remember about your softball recruitment that led you to commit to Purdue? Purdue was one of the first D1 schools to reach out and they were recruiting me for a long time. After going on my visit and comparing it to other visits, I knew where I wanted to be for the next four years. They had that culture that we all hear about, and I got to see it on my visit. 



What is your favorite jersey number, and why did you choose it? My favorite jersey number is #23 and I chose it because Michael Jordan wore that number and it’s my favorite. My dad played basketball and loved Michael Jordan, so we grew up hearing all about him and watching videos of him play and his greatness. 



What other hobbies do you have to balance out softball and your personal life? I like to bake, listen to music, watch movies, and play other sports to have a balance.



Who would you like to thank for your softball achievements and support? I would like to thank my parents because they made this all happen for me and provided everything that I have today. Also, Coach Ramiro - my hitting coach, for all his time helping me and Coach Jackson & Mrs. Jada Jackson - my strength/agility coaches & mental coaches for working with me and developing me.



Additional Information About Taylor

Walk-up Song: "Summertime" by Will Smith
Favorite Food: Sushi or Tacos
Favorite Song: Any Frank Ocean song 
Favorite Music Artist: Frank Ocean or Brent Faiyaz
Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Dodgers 
Favorite Sports Celebrity: Mookie Betts or Michael Jordan
Favorite Movie: "The Devil Wears Prada" or "Good Will Hunting"
Favorite Sports Movie: Sandlot or Coach Carter
Favorite TV Show: Gossip Girl
Favorite Book: The Inheritance Games 
Favorite Travel Spot: Hawaii 
Favorite Quote: I have so many favorite ones I can’t pick one.

By: Elizabeth Perez, Legacy & Legends Softball, 29 April 2025

www.legacyandlegendssoftball.com