SEATTLE - For junior third baseman Taylor Fitch, the journey to Seattle University was about more than just returning to her home state, it was about finding the right fit. After transferring from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, she quickly found a home with the Redhawks. "The biggest thing was Coach Hirai," she shared. "He called me about an hour after I entered the transfer portal, and he made it clear how much of an asset I would be. From the start, he valued my effort and hard work, and that was a huge draw."
Transitioning from LMU to Seattle U brought many changes, but for Taylor, one of the biggest differences was the team culture. "The weather is obviously different, but I'd say the biggest change is how inclusive and supportive the culture is here. I felt like I could be myself right away, and I had 17 teammates who had my back no matter what."
As the season progresses, Taylor is proud of the chemistry the team has built. "We talk a lot about being a sisterhood, a family. We spend a lot of time together, and that brings a lot of accountability. Our culture is built on hard work, we run hard, train hard, and practice hard. We have each other's backs."
With a competitive mindset, Taylor and her teammates have a clear goal this season. "We want to win more. We want to attack every game with everything we have, and when we do that, the results will show for themselves."
Finding Inspiration & Passion for Softball
Growing up in a highly athletic and competitive household, Taylor was always surrounded by sports. Both of her parents were athletes, and her two older brothers played sports as well. "Being the youngest, I always wanted to compete with people who were better than me," she said.
One of the most inspiring moments in her softball career came in high school when she had the opportunity to catch for Danielle Lawrie, a pitcher for the Canadian National Team. "Watching her train for the Olympics after having two kids and coming out of retirement was incredibly inspiring. She showed me that hard work really does pay off."
Taylor's parents also played a significant role in shaping her mindset. "They always encouraged me to work hard and trust that good things would come from it.
Before committing fully to softball, Taylor played a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and even year-round swimming. The decision to focus on softball came in fifth grade and it came down to her love for the competitive side of softball. "throwing people out as a catcher and hitting the ball hard was just the best feeling."
Though she started as a catcher, her move to third base happened almost by chance. "I was 16 and had just switched teams when our third baseman was away on her college visit. My coach asked if I could play third, and I said yes because I just wanted to be on the field. I ran with it, and it stuck. I love playing third, it keeps me involved, bunt defense, the slappers, and the communication with the pitcher all make it exciting."
Life Beyond Softball
Taylor is a Biology major with a clear career goal beyond the field. "I want to be a nurse practitioner after college. I've always been interested in helping people, and that path really appeals to me. I already have my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, so I've been involved in patient care."
Originally from Woodinville, Washington, Taylor grew up in Redmond before moving to Woodinville during high school. Outside of softball, she loves hiking, cooking, swimming, and working out. "Being active is really important to me, and hiking is probably my favorite pastime."
When asked about her favorite food spot near campus, Taylor gave a quick shout out to the bagels and Lotus at Pigott.
Looking Ahead
As she looks to continue her success this season, Taylor is focused on taking things one step at a time. "No moment can be bigger than the game itself. Softball is something I've played my whole life, and I know I can be my own biggest obstacle. Staying grounded, trusting that I've earned my opportunities, and keeping that hunger to improve that's what will help me keep pushing forward."
With her competitive mindset, leadership, and passion for the game, Taylor is ready to make the most of her time with the Redhawks and leave a lasting impact on the program.
Fitch and the Redhawks debut at home this weekend, beginning Friday, March 7 for a doubleheader against Abilene Christian at Logan Field with the first game slated for 3 PM.
Transitioning from LMU to Seattle U brought many changes, but for Taylor, one of the biggest differences was the team culture. "The weather is obviously different, but I'd say the biggest change is how inclusive and supportive the culture is here. I felt like I could be myself right away, and I had 17 teammates who had my back no matter what."
As the season progresses, Taylor is proud of the chemistry the team has built. "We talk a lot about being a sisterhood, a family. We spend a lot of time together, and that brings a lot of accountability. Our culture is built on hard work, we run hard, train hard, and practice hard. We have each other's backs."
With a competitive mindset, Taylor and her teammates have a clear goal this season. "We want to win more. We want to attack every game with everything we have, and when we do that, the results will show for themselves."
Finding Inspiration & Passion for Softball
Growing up in a highly athletic and competitive household, Taylor was always surrounded by sports. Both of her parents were athletes, and her two older brothers played sports as well. "Being the youngest, I always wanted to compete with people who were better than me," she said.
One of the most inspiring moments in her softball career came in high school when she had the opportunity to catch for Danielle Lawrie, a pitcher for the Canadian National Team. "Watching her train for the Olympics after having two kids and coming out of retirement was incredibly inspiring. She showed me that hard work really does pay off."
Taylor's parents also played a significant role in shaping her mindset. "They always encouraged me to work hard and trust that good things would come from it.
Before committing fully to softball, Taylor played a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and even year-round swimming. The decision to focus on softball came in fifth grade and it came down to her love for the competitive side of softball. "throwing people out as a catcher and hitting the ball hard was just the best feeling."
Though she started as a catcher, her move to third base happened almost by chance. "I was 16 and had just switched teams when our third baseman was away on her college visit. My coach asked if I could play third, and I said yes because I just wanted to be on the field. I ran with it, and it stuck. I love playing third, it keeps me involved, bunt defense, the slappers, and the communication with the pitcher all make it exciting."
Life Beyond Softball
Taylor is a Biology major with a clear career goal beyond the field. "I want to be a nurse practitioner after college. I've always been interested in helping people, and that path really appeals to me. I already have my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, so I've been involved in patient care."
Originally from Woodinville, Washington, Taylor grew up in Redmond before moving to Woodinville during high school. Outside of softball, she loves hiking, cooking, swimming, and working out. "Being active is really important to me, and hiking is probably my favorite pastime."
When asked about her favorite food spot near campus, Taylor gave a quick shout out to the bagels and Lotus at Pigott.
Looking Ahead
As she looks to continue her success this season, Taylor is focused on taking things one step at a time. "No moment can be bigger than the game itself. Softball is something I've played my whole life, and I know I can be my own biggest obstacle. Staying grounded, trusting that I've earned my opportunities, and keeping that hunger to improve that's what will help me keep pushing forward."
With her competitive mindset, leadership, and passion for the game, Taylor is ready to make the most of her time with the Redhawks and leave a lasting impact on the program.
Fitch and the Redhawks debut at home this weekend, beginning Friday, March 7 for a doubleheader against Abilene Christian at Logan Field with the first game slated for 3 PM.