For superstitious senior softball player Grace Taylor, an apple a day keeps her bad games away. The superstition seemed to work, as in early August of her senior year, Taylor committed to play Division I softball at Appalachian State University.

“I committed to Appalachian State because I felt at home. I loved the fun and loving community the coaches and softball team shared. I also loved the breathtaking campus that I couldn’t stop thinking about,” Taylor said.

Taylor has stayed in her hometown for all the softball programs she has been a part of. She started on the local park district team, the Downers Grove Dolls, then moved to the lower level travel program the Downers Grove Rebels. Then, she moved to the highest level of the Dolls and Rebels programs, the Chicago Cheetahs.

Taylor created many bonds through those programs, including her best friend, DGS senior and future Division I softball player, Ella Cushing.

“I first met her in third grade when we started playing travel ball together, but we only played for a year together so I didn’t really get to know her so much. We met back up in middle school in seventh grade and were instantly friends again. She just has an energy that no one else has and is such a fun and happy person to be around; she is one of my best friends and I wouldn’t trade her for the world,” Cushing said.

Taylor’s schedule can be seen as chaotic, with school, softball practices everyday and her social life. She has had to work hard to create a balance.

“Playing softball at this level has taken a lot of my free time; however, I learned to manage my schedule and still be able to balance my social life and softball. It has affected my life for the better because I’ve learned to manage my time and be strong mentally,” Taylor said.