Never Dull with T Cole
Junior Tayler Coleman practicing her fundamentals at the plate.
With a new school record of ten home runs on the season, Lady Dawgs junior Taylar Coleman is on fire. She has already broken her record of nine home runs from last season, and the season isn’t over yet.
Coleman says when she’s up to bat, fundamentals are on her mind. “I run through all of the things I need to do get a simple base hit. Get my foot down, stand tall and push through the ball,” said Coleman.
Coleman’s record year started out with a bang after the junior hit three home runs in the team’s first game against Adams Central. In her first at bat, Coleman flew out to the pitcher, but she quickly redeemed herself.
In her second at bat, Coleman hit her first home run of the year. She hit two more in her following two plate appearances. “With it being the first game, I had the first game jitters, but something just clicked after I hit my first home run,” Coleman said.
You may think that after several homeruns, the excitement of hitting one would eventually wear off. For Coleman, this isn’t the case. Her excitement in hitting a homer never dies. “It feels great! It especially feels good when that helps your team take the lead or win the game,” she said. Coleman says her main motivation comes from her teammates. “My team motivates me. They are always there and when I get down, they are always there to get me back up; especially [seniors] Willow Chitty, Kylie Engleman, and Téa Guerra.”
Having already broken the record twice, the question on everyone’s mind is “Can she do it again?” Coleman believes she will. “My goal is to at least improve by one like I did this year. To achieve that goal I will have to go back to the basics in the off-season, and build my weak points back up,” said Coleman.
She aspires to become a better team leader for her team and to make it all the way to State. This girl’s passion is evident on the field when she’s hitting homers, and off the field when she’s training and building relationships with her team. Keep your eyes her as she finishes up this season and progresses into her final season, her passion and crazy home runs are something you don’t want to miss.
Phoenix VanCura, class of 2018. I was the online Editor for the NP Bulldogger, I used to manage all the social media accounts. I enjoy hanging out with...
Ryan Bellew • Oct 11, 2016 at 3:52 PM
I would like to thank the high school student who wrote this fine article. Whoever you may be, you most definitely have a future in journalism.. “Jim Smith” as for you whoever you may be pretending to be I have just a few thoughts of my own!! First off I have not only had the privilege of watching this TEAM play ball this entire year. I have yet to see any one girl take the field for herself. From the moment they step foot off the bus, onto the dirt they are a complete unit. Yes Taylar can and will hit bombs, but Kylie, Hallei, Karsyn and Jayda also have hit deep shots as well. I have coached and watched many of these young athletes for a long time. They have only gotten smarter and better day after day. They work hard, stay after practice to get better and fine tune their skills. My opinion……The best pitcher, catcher, infield and outfield that has come out of North Platte since the early 90’s. Oh and should I mention they can hit, slap, push bunt and steal all for extra bases and runs as well!!! Maybe Mr. Smith you should open your eyes to the talent that makes up the North Platte Lady Dawgs Softball TEAM!! So with that being said I would like to congratulate all of these girls on their hard work and accomplishments and the best of luck at State tomorrow.. Watch out York cause the Dawgs are hungry and they are coming to ruin everyone’s party!!!
Hector Morales • Oct 12, 2016 at 9:13 AM
Willow Chitty also had a nice homerun this year as well! Well said Ryan
Jim smith • Oct 9, 2016 at 10:25 AM
This is why they will lose. There is way to many “I”‘s on this team for them to win at state. Who cares about a record if you don’t win any big games!!!!!!!
Hector Morales • Oct 10, 2016 at 9:24 PM
You obviously don’t know this kid, the last time north platte won a game at state prior to last year was in 1996 and as a starting pitcher the last 2 years we’ve won 45 games and we’ve swept Districts. This is one of the most humble and hard working kids I’ve ever been around, this story is to highlight the dedication of a student athlete not for someone to berate a 16 year old kid. You sound like you may be jealous of this young athlete’s success. My real name is on this post “Jim Smith” if you would like to talk actual facts about her accomplishments I will talk to you, as my daughter has played with her since they we’re 10 and I know her work ethic well.
Rudy guerra • Oct 9, 2016 at 12:51 AM
You’ll never see a more humble person on the field, I’ve had the privilege of watching her play ball since she was 10 and NP will not see a player of her magnitude for a long time so please do not miss the chance to see her play because people will be talking about her for years to come. Great job Tiller!