Swan signs softball scholarship

Taylor Swan signed a softball scholarship to attend Jackson State starting in the Fall of 2021. At the signing day were, front row, from left, Tonya, Taylor and Stevie Swan. Back row, WCHS coach Gooby Martin and Jackson State coach Taylor Schubert.

Taylor Swan doesn’t even remember what position she played when she started with softball at Midway. All she knew was she loved the sport.

Jackson State won’t have any problem finding a position for the talented Lady Pioneer. Lady Greenjays coach Taylor Schubert was on hand Monday her future starting outfielder sign to extend her playing career.

“We’re in need in outfield, so she’ll either be a starting leftfielder or centerfielder,” said Schubert, who is set to begin her second year with the program this spring. “I watched her play this summer. She stole back-to-back bases and made amazing plays in the outfield. She was different than anybody I saw that day.”

Swan has limited varsity experience with Warren County due to last season getting cancelled, she’s been impressive on the travel ball scene for years. Just as her future coach found comfort in her quickly, Swan knew instantly Jackson State was the place for her to continue to hone her craft the next two years.

“I really liked the campus and how small it was. It wasn’t too big on campus,” said Swan. “I really liked coach Taylor and how open and honest she was too.”

Swan brings championship pedigree to the Greenjays. She was part of the region championship in her sophomore season – one of her favorite softball moments – and got to watch as a freshman as the Lady Pioneers won a district title. Swan is hopeful the Lady Pioneers can continue to collect hardware this spring when they get back to the diamond.

Her current coach believes Swan can help the Lady Pioneers continue their run, but Gooby Martin is more excited for the fact another player is continuing to pursue her passion at the next level.

“I’m very proud and excited for Taylor. She’s a great young lady and will do awesome at Jackson State,” said Martin. “She’s a standout defensively and a really good base runner. I’m excited to see her get some at bats and develop into an all-around player in our program. She will be an asset for Jackson State.”

Swan joins a long list of Lady Pioneers who have went to the next level under Martin. Swan has several former teammates currently on college rosters, including MaKenna Mason and Lexie Chadwell (Motlow), Hailey Wood (University of the Cumberlands), Emily Mikkola (Tennessee Wesleyan) and Ashton Whiles (Cumberland University).

Swan, who plans to major in nursing, was joined by her family and teammates at Monday’s signing. Her parents, Tonya and Stevie, were proud to see their daughter secure more years on the diamond. They have traveled with Taylor across the Southeast, always supporting her love for softball.

“We love watching her play. She’s a tremendous outfielder. She’s gotten to some balls that when they’re hit, you think there’s no way she’ll get there,” said Stevie Swan.

Taylor will tell you she didn’t know she was going to get to this level either when she was roaming the fields at Midway, but she made it official. She's going to be a Greenjay.

Painted Barn Media photos