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Athlete Awards

Central Close-Up

Tabitha Taylor

  • Award
    Central Close-Up
  • Week Of
    6/7/2016
  • Sport
    Softball
  • Bio
    View Full Bio

Sophomore
Grimes, Iowa

Why Central?

Central had so much to offer me. Not only does Central have an outstanding softball program, they also have academic opportunities you can’t find everywhere. I get the opportunity to go to a school where all of my professors know me by name, I get personalized attention, and can get help whenever I need it. On top of that, I loved the town of Pella and the fact that I have the option to study abroad if I want to!

Favorite professor and why?

This is a hard question because I have had so many wonderful professors. I would have to say Dr. Mills. He takes the time to get to know each of his students personally while doing an excellent job teaching at the same time.  He truly cares about the success of his students.

In your iPod?

I listen to a wide variety of music. A few of my favorite artists are Christina Perri, Luke Bryan, and Rend Collective.

What are you majoring in and why?

I am majoring in accounting. Believe it or not I could crunch numbers all day!

Favorite professional athlete

Babe Ruth, I aspire to be as good of a player as he was.

Favorite kind of candy?

I like pretty much anything chocolate! Kit-Kats are my favorite.

All-time favorite Disney movie?

I’m tempted to say Brave because she looks just like me, but I would have to go with Finding Nemo.

What teammate would you take with you to win the Amazing Race?

Sarah Bowen, she would be willing to do just about anything to win and we make a great team.

Biggest difference between playing softball in high school and at Central

The intensity of practice and the focus on the mental game. Everything we do here at Central is game-like; every throw, swing, cheer is done with high intensity and importance. 

The position you are least likely to play during a game?

Pitcher! I have played just about every position except for pitcher and catcher and I helped catch quite a few times in the off-season.

What are your plans for the summer?

I’m hoping to get an internship for the summer! Other than that, watch some high school softball games, go to the lake, and hang out with friends.

The one thing people don’t about Coach O’Brien?

According to Coach Wares, she falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow… even if they are in the middle of a conversation.

Why do you love Central softball?

You aren’t just playing for yourself. You are playing for every teammate that came before you. We truly are a family. I also love the fact that I have the opportunity to continue to grow as a player.

“Ten years from now I’ll...”

Ten years from now I’ll be reaping the benefits of my Central education. I’ll come home from my dream job to my handsome husband and beautiful children. Oh, and my extremely well trained dog! We will be living somewhere in small town Iowa near a lake where will we frequently boat, fish, and swim.

Favorite food from Central Market

Country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and caramel bars!

Bucket list

Learn to surf, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, go on a safari, adopt a child, go skydiving, visit every continent, go deep-sea fishing, go on a super long road-trip through every state of the continental US, go back to China, kayak with penguins in South Africa, see Pompeii, have a huge family.



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Date Athlete Sport
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4/3/2025 Dylan Williams Baseball
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3/20/2025 Mary Gustason Women's Track and Field
3/13/2025 Mariah Parton Softball
3/6/2025 Emma Murphy Women's Tennis
2/20/2025 Jordan Crooks Dance team
2/13/2025 Bailey Reding Women's Basketball
2/6/2025 Kip Tupa Men's Basketball
1/30/2025 Madilyn Rowson Women's Wrestling
1/23/2025 Austin Roos Men's Wrestling
1/16/2025 Gabby Moore Women's Basketball
1/9/2025 Amber Vroman Women's Track and Field
1/2/2025 Maggie Williams Cheerleading
12/26/2024 Will Henricksen Men's Basketball
12/19/2024 Cael Cox Men's Wrestling
12/12/2024 JD Elefson Men's Track and Field
12/5/2024 Jadyn Filling Women's Basketball
11/28/2024 Elijah Belzer Men's Wrestling
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