High School Standouts: CDHS’ Taylor shines as multi-sport athlete for Black Knights
LOWER AFTON, Tenn. (WJHL) – Perhaps it was the crunch of the infield dirt or the warmth of the sun on a perfect spring day – either way, Chuckey-Doak senior Hayleigh Taylor found something that drew her to softball right away.
“I just fell in love with it and enjoyed being outside and getting dirty, I guess,” she smiled.
Growing up, her mom always made the perfect backyard teammate, while her dad often served as her coach.
Vols land No. 2 seed in Midwest Region of NCAA Tournament
“It was like our time together,” she said. “He was hard on me, but it was worth it in the end.”
When she arrived at Chuckey-Doak as a freshman, her expectations were pretty simple.
“To play and have fun with it and enjoy it,” she explained. “I just wanted to have time with my friends and be able to play the sport I love.”
She’s already begun her final ride with the Black Knights this spring – and her main goal is equally as simple.
“Enjoying it and soaking up every memory,” she shared.
But, softball is the final of three teams Taylor will have suited up for this year in Lower Afton. She just finished up basketball – a sport she also found at a young age.
“It was fast-paced and there’s just something happening all the time,” she said.
The Lady Black Knights finished third in District 1-2A this season, but what made this campaign special was the people.
“It’s like a big family,” she said.
And she’s learned that creating a strong bond with her teammates is important in both the sports she loves dearly.
“One person can’t win a ballgame,” she said, “you just have to work together.”
Taylor found the same thing to be true in her one and only season as a goalkeeper on the district championship-winning girl’s soccer squad in the fall.
“The team was just all close together and gave credit where credit was due and it just felt really good,” she said.
Off the field, Taylor finds time to serve as vice president of the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter – while also completing her training to become a certified nursing assistant.
“I was busy,” she admitted, “but it was all worth it in the end.”
As she hopes to attend a four-year university and continue pursuing a career as a registered nurse.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
