“I try to keep a calm mindset while being on the field,” said Preston senior Taylan Starr, a slow-pitch standout who anchors the Pirates’ lineup. “Over the years, I’ve learned that I play my best when I’m calm and collected.”
Starr said her final high school season is about both performance and perspective. “My personal goals for this year are to enjoy these last few moments I have in high school with my teammates and to become more consistent,” she said. “I would like my legacy to be remembered as someone who worked for everything she had and had nothing handed to her.”
She feels this Preston group has built a strong foundation. “It’s been very strong,” Starr said of the team’s morale. “We’re all super competitive but are all confident in each other so our morale has been awesome.” That belief has translated into visible growth. “Confidence,” she said. “Our confidence has gotten so much better since the season first started.”
Their goals match that rising confidence. “I’d say our biggest goal this year is to make it to the state championship,” Starr said. “We’ve made it to the first and second round but have yet to get to the championship. So, we’re working very hard every practice to be able to accomplish that.” She points to one clear advantage. “I’d say our biggest strength is our defense,” she said.
On the field, Starr’s versatility is a major asset. “Shortstop and outfield,” she said of her positions. At the plate, she studies how the outfield is playing her. “Normally, I try see where they’re shifted,” she said. “People tend to think I’m a pull hitter, so normally if they’re shifted to the right, I try to go left
Her game-day routine keeps things simple. “Honestly I try to hydrate as much as I can, eat a good snack, and then just pop open a can of cherry slush Alani and I’m good to go,” she said.
Starr describes this Preston group in one word. “We’re hilarious,” she said. Her favorite memory so far is “probably making it to the second round in state this past year.” After graduation, Starr plans “to attend Tulsa University to further my academic and athletic career.”
