Kansas Softball Class of 2013: Taylor McElhaney
Nov. 18, 2012
Softball Signees
 |
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| Name | Hometown |
| Lily Behrmann | Overland Park, Kan. |
| Taylor Dodson | Grove, Okla. |
| Taylor McElhaney | Talala, Okla. |
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Fourth-year head coach Megan Smithannounced the six future Jayhawks who signed National Letters of Intent that comprise the 2013 Kansas softball signing class. In the third of a six-part series, KUathletics.com highlights Taylor McElhaney.
McElhaney (pronounced Mackel-Hay-Knee) was an all-state shortstop at Oologah-Talala High School under the direction of coach Andrea Vaughan. A four-time letterwinner and District Champion, McElhaney helped the Mustangs achieve premier high school program status during her career. Aside from a District Championship in each of her four seasons, OTHS won the conference and the regional championships during her sophomore season. As a junior, the Mustangs won the district, the region and added state semi-finals to the list.
As a senior, her team put it all together for a state championship in 2012. Following her senior season, McElhaney was awarded Middle East All-State Shortstop, First-Team All-Region Three Shortstop and Verdigris Valley First Team Defensive Player of the Year.
“Taylor McElhaney is just an unbelievable athlete overall,” Smith said. “When you leave the field you remember her. She’s one of those special players. She doesn’t say a lot. She’s not in your face, but her play is. She plays shortstop but is capable of playing multiple positions. She is a force, has speed and is very versatile at the plate.”
Aside from knowing how to win on the softball field, McElhaney has also guided the OTHS women’s basketball team to three-straight conference championships with her senior season still ahead.
At the club level, McElhaney has played on several ASA National Championship teams, including the 16U ASA National Championship with the Tulsa Elite ’95 under coach Steve Bevan.
“She’s a winner,” Smith said. “She was on a team this summer that won nearly every major tournament they played in. Her high school team just won a state championship. She knows how to win. We’re excited to have her and are excited to bring her versatility and athleticism to our team next year.”
The daughter of Mike and Jeri McElhaney, Taylor plans to major in nursing.
