April 29, 2020


Getting to Know Assistant Coach Taylor Kirk
Hey everyone! My name is Taylor Kirk and I am the assistant softball coach at Washburn. I grew up in a small town called Rossville, KS, not far from Topeka. I went on to play college softball at Johnson County Community College for 2 yeas and finished my last two years at Washburn, ending my eligibility in May of 2019. I just became a full-time assistant coach at the beginning of the year after graduating in December with my Bachelor of Arts in Communications. I am hoping to pursue my Master’s in Communication and Leadership within the next semester or two. Learning more about my passion for softball in a different way (as in coaching instead of playing) has made me realize how much I truly enjoy the sport.
Life Changes
Since the quarantine has started, we have had to transition to working from home. With all the different NCAA COVID-19 regulations, we haven’t been able to recruit or have any sort of practices for our team.  We have a team meeting over Zoom with our girls every Monday night so that everyone can see and hear each other during these times. We want to keep our girls connected in any way that we can for right now. Being a 1st year coach, this season definitely didn’t turn out as it was supposed to, but I’m learning more every day, about softball, NCAA regulations and even learning more about this pandemic virus. The hardest part has been trying to keep a day-to-day schedule.
Attitude of Gratitude
Over these past few weeks, I’ve learned not only to appreciate the people in my life more but also to not take anything for granted. I’ve been very appreciative of my new little golden doodle puppy, Ruder, as she has kept me busy. I’m also thankful for my roommate as we have grown closer to each other during this time and have been able to explore more things together like golfing, walking trails and painting canvases. I am so grateful for my own healthy life as well as my family’s. I have friends with family members who have since passed away from this virus so I am truly appreciative of my family’s health. And last but not least, my gratitude for this team and softball has grown tremendously. I wish everyone a safe and healthy life and can’t wait to get our girls back on the field with us! Looking forward to making more Washburn Softball memories. GO BODS!

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