MASCOUTAH, IL -- Mascoutah High School senior, Taylor Friederich has signed her NJCAA Letter of Intent to play softball for Kaskaskia College. Taylor will add to a very strong mix of catchers, joining returners, Brooklynn Smith and Marissa Topp, as well as fellow '20 recruits, Rylee Langendorf and Chase Wise. While at KC, she plans on studying to be an athletic trainer. Taylor is the daughter of Aaron and Michelle Friederich.

In another strong addition for the Blue Angels, Taylor has been the Indians' starting catcher since her freshman year. MHS softball coach,  Frank Evans boasted of her leadership skills and all-around personality, stating that she was one of the best players he has ever coached. Aside from the intangibles, Taylor has anchored their middle of the order as a powerful line drive hitter, who has the capability to hit for high average and drive in runs. As a catcher, her leadership skills and knowledge from experience, allows her to be as reliable as a field general. In addition to MHS, she has gained these traits while playing travel ball for the Dirt Dawgs and the SWAT. Academically, Taylor is a high honors student, which has landed her in the National Honor Society at MHS. She is also an Indian Ambassador, having been entrusted as a mentor for new students.

With, so much talk of Taylor's prowess as a catcher, Coach Barnes is anxious to see how she will stack up with her teammates. "First and foremost, generating competition, is the main goal for carrying five catchers.  Second, we will need quality depth at a position that is extremely taxing during a 60 game schedule.  Lastly, we will need battery mates for 6 quality pitchers. With all things considered, I want to set the stage that will develop our best pitchers and catchers. Positions that I identify as those that a coach should build a team around. Besides, all of these girls have defensive versatility. When and if Taylor is not catching, I would like to work her in our outfield. Aside from her athleticism, it's the aforementioned competitve demeanor and willingness to learn that makes me confident in her potential.  When she and I talked about the budding competition, she smiled and simply stated, 'Bring It On'. I firmly believe that character wins championships and Taylor has plenty of it.

Seated (l-r): Michelle Friederich (mother), Taylor Friederich (#21), Aaron Friederich (father)

Standing (l-r): Haley Friederich (sister), Frank Evans (Mascoutah coach), John Barnes (KC coach)