Badgering: Taylor Johnson
April 17, 2019 | Softball, Varsity Magazine
Sophomore catcher shares how she brings energy to team and playing a new position
MADISON, Wis. — What's the biggest difference you've noticed between your freshman and sophomore seasons?
"Patience and comfortability. I feel less tense this season than last because I know that when I stick to a game plan at the plate good things are bound to happen. As for my defense, I have noticed that I have become one of the vocal leaders on the field whether that's directing infield or being in the pitcher's ear from pitch to pitch, I always feel the need to not let the field fall silent during play."
CLUTCH strikeout from Kait with the bases loaded got us like... 🥳
— Wisconsin Softball(@BadgerSoftball) April 13, 2019
You play with a sense of fierceness behind the plate. What is it about your new role as catcher that's brought out that side of you?
"This year I told the team that I was going to bring the 'fire' and even before moving behind the plate, my role at third was to constantly be talking to the pitchers, whether that's being fired up on a strikeout or keeping the team focused in from pitch to pitch. As for my new role, I knew that I would still have to bring my very passionate, high-energy style behind the plate. It doesn't matter where I play. All that matters is the high-vocal intensity is still in place."
What's your favorite moment as a Wisconsin softball player so far in your career?
"Making the NCAA tournament my freshman year has got to be the best UW softball moment for me so far. I remember sitting with my teammates watching the selection show and the moment that Wisconsin came across the screen, I remember feeling excited for the opportunity to play in the postseason and that first win was an indescribable feeling of accomplishment."
Who would you say is the team's spirit animal and why?
"I would have to say Savanna Rainey would have to be the team's spirit animal this year. Even though she has faced some injuries, she still continues to be a work horse for the team whether that's catching pitchers in the bullpen or constantly being the loudest one cheering in the dugout. Vanna is the type of teammate that will always bring a smile to everyone's face because that's the upbeat personality that she brings to each and every one of our games."
Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? If so, what are they?
"My pregame rituals are that I always get my hair braided by Heather Rudnicki and I have to put on gold highlighter to my cheeks. As for a superstition, my mom always sends me a text before every game and she always says, 'Have a day kid!!'"
What's more satisfying … hitting a home run or throwing out a runner that's trying to steal a base?
"I'd have to say hitting a homerun. Nothing feels better than watching the ball sail over the fence and having your teammates cheer 'U, U, U, U-Dub.' Whether it's a solo shot or a grand slam, the feeling of hitting a home run is always a surreal moment that you never want to end."
If you could trade places with one of your teammates or coaches for the day, who would you be and why?
"I would be any one of the pitchers for a day. Everyone knows my dream is to be able to pitch in an actual game in my career. So, if for one day I could switch places with one of our amazingly talented pitchers so that I could hum some strikes in there, I would without a doubt do it in a heartbeat."
What is your favorite thing about being a Wisconsin Badger?
"I love the fun-loving community type atmosphere and the high-level of enthusiasm that the Badger fans bring to games. When I put my uniform on, I know that I will be a Badger for life."
Why do you choose to stay off social media?
"Honestly, I never felt the need to hop on the bandwagon of social media. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc., are all the same to me; post a pic and get likes, the end. Although I do enjoy having my teammates send me funny Twitter videos, I just feel that it's better not to have every single social media account because in five years there will just be a new app that everyone will run to go download. Rather live in the moment than post about it."
Is there anything else you want the people to know about you or your team?
"I want people to know that this team shouldn't be underestimated or looked at as the underdog. We are out to leave a mark and with the big wins over Texas and ASU, we know that the skies the limit for this team. All we need to do now is execute."
