Preston High School’s Taylan Starr
Preston senior Taylan Starr has built her softball career on effort, resilience and a deep appreciation for the people around her. As a rover for Preston High School, Starr embraces one of the most demanding defensive roles on the field, constantly reading swings and reacting to balls hit hard and high.
“Rover, the most difficult part is reading balls that are hit hard and high,” Starr said. The challenge suits her competitive nature and willingness to do the dirty work, literally. When asked who usually ends the night with the dirtiest uniform, she didn’t hesitate. “Probably me,” she said.
Starr, a 12th grader, credits her parents for shaping her path in both sports and life. “My parents, because they’ve paved my path to be where I am today,” she said. That foundation has helped her learn one of the biggest lessons athletics has to offer. “That not everything is gonna go my way sometimes and it’s okay to fail,” Starr said.
At the plate, Starr keeps her approach simple and disciplined. “Be patient and pick my perfect pitch,” she said. In the classroom, she favors English and points to Mrs. Beets as her favorite teacher.
Starr said the best part of Preston softball is the bond within the roster. “The thing I love most about my teammates is how supportive we are of each other and how we work as a team and not individually,” she said. She said twins Mackenzie and Peyton are the most vocal and supportive voices on the field, while Kristin “keeps everyone laughing.”
Away from the diamond, Starr enjoys shopping and spending time with family, a balance that mirrors the perspective she has gained through sports. Even down to the “unwritten rules” of the game — like probably not wearing your visor under your ears — Starr carries herself with a mix of humor, grit and gratitude that has made her a key presence for Preston.
