Taylor Battle with Coaches Susan Crownover and Jenise Gordon
GPS senior Taylor Battle signed scholarship papers on Tuesday to continue her softball career at Tusculum College in Greenville, Tn. At a gathering with family, friends, teammates, and coaches, Taylor celebrated her decision to play college athletics at the Division II school in the South Atlantic Conference. Balloons and cake decorated in Tusculum colors of orange and white added to the festivities.
“Taylor has taken full advantage of the opportunity afforded her by her mom, Dorothy, and GPS,” said GPS softball coach Susan Crownover. “She came to us as a freshman and has done very well in the classroom and in athletics.” A two-sport athlete, Taylor also is a leading scorer on the bowling team.
“Taylor holds a .405 batting average and led the team in stolen bases (15) and in slugging percentage (.619) last season.
Taylor has been ‘running’ our outfield from the centerfield position for four years and has used her speed and knowledge of the game to make us a much better team,” said Ms. Crownover.
“Taylor is receiving a full scholarship to Tusculum because of her work ethic on and off the softball field. Once she started at GPS, it didn't take her long to realize the importance of making the grades essential to realizing her dream of playing softball in college,” said Ms. Crownover to the assembled guests at the signing celebration. According to her coach, Taylor had “more than a few game-saving plays during the state tournament that helped GPS win a state championship.” Tusculum will be a great environment for Taylor, both educationally and athletically, added Ms. Crownover, who is assisted in the coaching duties by faculty member Jenise Gordon.