No matter what happens this spring, Broken Bow senior Leilani Taylor will have a lasting memory of her time as a Lady Savage. Last spring as Broken Bow was battling for a state slow pitch championship Taylor was in the circle for all three games. But in the title game against Tecumseh, it was her bat that had the biggest impact as she smacked a three-run homer to help propel her team to the title.

“Going to state last year was an emotional roller coaster,” said Taylor. “I was nervous because I had never gotten to pitch at state before (the Savages qualified for state her sophomore year but didn’t get to play because of Covid). I pitched all three games, and I was really nervous going into the championship game, but I knew I had to push through because my teammates had my back. And hitting that homerun-I just couldn’t believe it,” recalled Taylor.

Her coach, Jimmie Wyrick, knows that Leilani has a special effect on the softball team.

“She bats lead off for us and has the most homeruns and how she starts really sets the tone for the team. She had 27 homers and hit nearly .500 last year.,” said the veteran coach. “Her pitching is also special. A lot of folks think that in slow pitch you just lob the ball up there but there really is an art to being an effective slow pitch pitcher. She had 25 strikeouts last year which is almost unheard of in slow pitch. She leads by example but is very quiet and humble.”

Leilani’s aunt was a pitcher in high school and taught her how to put all the spins on the ball. Her role model is another well-known pitcher.

“I always used to watch (former OU and Team USA pitcher) Keilani Ricketts. I thought it was neat that our names were a lot alike, and I just liked the way she pitched, and I looked up to her.”

Maybe one of the biggest challenges for Leilani this year has been as a senior leader.

“I’m really shy and quiet so this year I’m having to talk more and get out of my comfort zone a little. I think my strength as a leader is cheering my teammates on and being encouraging if need be.”

Leilani played basketball in addition to softball through her sophomore year. She is in FCCLA and is vice-president of the American Indian Leadership and Youth Council. Leilani says her post-high school plans are still undecided.