Spotlight Athlete: Taylor Monroe #6

SPORTS: Softball and Volleyball

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

My story has seen highs and lows. Very early on, I had a coach who almost caused me to lose my love for the game of softball. I wasn’t competing at the level he expected yet as a young youth athlete and instead of helping me grow, he made me question myself and my place in the game. It was a hard season filled with doubt and frustration, and there were moments when I wondered if I was good enough.

What kept me going were the coaches who did believe in me. The ones who stuck by my side from the beginning, saw my potential before the results showed it, and chose to teach, encourage, and invest in me instead of tearing me down. I owe them more than they know.

Once I got out from under that negative influence, I found myself again. I started trusting my work, my instincts, and my love for the game. I hit my stride, and today I’m playing the best softball of my life. Most importantly, I’ve fallen back in love with the game and that’s something no one can take away from me.

Another defining moment in my journey was that I lost someone incredibly special, my Godmother and Aunt. She was a guiding light in my life and a huge influence on my volleyball journey, being a former college volleyball player herself. Her belief in me has never left my heart.

I made my high school’s JV volleyball team as an 8th grader this year, and by the end of the season, I was pulled up to join the Varsity squad. I know she’s smiling down from heaven, proud of every step I take.

So, my journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped who I am: someone who fights through adversity, who plays with passion, and who knows exactly why I step on the field or court every day.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

God is the light in my world and the guiding force in everything I do. My faith comes first—above all else and it's the foundation of who I am both on and off the field. I play for an audience of One, committing every practice, game, and moment of competition to Jesus.

Through Him, all things are possible. He’s the reason I have the opportunity and privilege to pursue the sports I love. Whether I win or face challenges, I trust His plan and give Him the glory. My faith gives me strength, perspective, and purpose. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why I play.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

This is my favorite Bible verse because, to me, it’s a reminder to lead with kindness and humility even when it’s hard. It teaches me to show compassion, especially when we don’t know the battles others may be facing.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

1) Personal - Being a top-ranked player in Roblox. All kidding aside, my biggest personal accomplishment is my academics. I strive hard in school and maintain all A's even with my busy schedule. I pride myself when I ace tests, and end the semester with an above-average GPA. 

2) Athletically - My best accomplishment athletically is my high IQ and being a master of the game of softball. I am versatile and can be an asset to my team anywhere on the field. My other great accomplishment is having the skillset to competee with Juniors and Seniors on the volleyball court as a Varsity player.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

1) Personal:

Okay—being a top-ranked player in Roblox is fun, but in all seriousness, my biggest personal accomplishment is my academic success. I work hard to maintain straight A’s despite a demanding schedule filled with practices and games. I take pride in acing my tests and consistently finishing each semester with an above-average GPA. My dedication to school is just as strong as my commitment to sports.

2) Athletic:

Athletically, one of my greatest strengths is my high game IQ and deep understanding of softball. I’m a versatile player who can contribute anywhere on the field, always striving to be a reliable asset to my team. Another accomplishment I’m proud of is being able to compete alongside upperclassmen—Juniors and Seniors—on the volleyball court as a Varsity player. Holding my own at that level has pushed me to grow both mentally and physically as an athlete.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

The skill I’m most focused on improving right now is my batting. I'm working hard to become a true left-handed dual threat, someone who can slap, bunt, and hit for power. It's a dynamic skill set that I know college coaches value, and I want to be the kind of player who puts pressure on defenses every time I step into the box. Developing this versatility at the plate is a top priority in my training right now.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

I spend about eight hours a day at school, and once classes are done, I go straight into training, whether I’m in season or out of season. That might look like extra offensive and defensive reps in softball after volleyball practice, or strength and conditioning sessions following basketball. There’s rarely a day when I’m not working to improve.

I’m also incredibly grateful to attend a private Catholic school where I can center my day around my Faith and keep my relationship with God at the core of everything I do.

Weekends are just as busy with games or tournaments, church, and youth group. My schedule may be demanding, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s shaping me into a stronger athlete, student, and person.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

My goal for the future is to continue playing softball at the collegiate level. I’m committed to that path regularly attending prospect camps, refining my skills, and doing the work to grow as a player and teammate.

Looking ahead to this year, my number one objective is to keep elevating my game and preparing myself for the next level, both mentally and physically.

Outside of athletics, I’m also preparing for a meaningful milestone in my faith journey: I’ll be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2026. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of and thankful for as I continue to grow on and off the field.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

One of the biggest challenges in accomplishing my goals is managing my time and energy across academics, sports, and personal commitments. Balancing school, training, games, travel, and faith takes discipline and strong time management. There are moments when it’s overwhelming, especially when I’m juggling multiple sports and trying to keep my grades up.

Another challenge is staying confident during setbacks, whether that’s a tough game, an injury, or not performing the way I know I can. But I remind myself that growth doesn’t always happen in comfort zones. I’ve learned to stay focused, lean on my faith, and trust the process.

These challenges only fuel me to work harder. They’ve taught me resilience, accountability, and how to stay grounded in my “why.”

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

As someone who is still a young and up-and-coming athlete myself, my biggest piece of advice is this: “Enjoy every sandwich.” It might sound simple, but to me, it means appreciating the little things, the early mornings, the team laughs, the tough practices, and even the nerves before a big game. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so don’t take any moment for granted.

Enjoy the journey, not just the highlights. Work hard, stay humble, and always remember why you started playing in the first place.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

Caitlin Clark is my favorite athlete because of the way she completely embodies her sport.

She plays with passion, confidence, and intensity. Every time she steps on the court, you can tell how much it means to her. She’s not just talented; she’s fearless, competitive, and a true leader. The way she carries herself, pushes boundaries, and inspires others, especially young girls like me, is something I deeply admire.

She shows that excellence comes from relentless work and belief in yourself, and that’s exactly the kind of athlete I strive to be.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

If I had the chance to sit down with Caitlin Clark, I’d ask her: “What keeps you grounded and motivated when the pressure is high and the spotlight is on you?”

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Something I’d like the community to know is that I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for the support, the opportunities, and the people who believe in me. I don’t take any of it for granted. I’m giving it my all, not just for myself, but for everyone who’s helped me along the way and to Jesus. All Glory to God.

I’m working hard every day to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person of character, faith, and resilience. And no matter where this journey takes me, I’ll carry those values with me always.