Neumann's leadership vital to Moorpark's success
Junior catchehas been an offensive force for Musketeer softball team
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

QUICK TRIGGER- Moorpark catcher Taylor Neumann prepares to throw to second base during a game against Newbury Park.

Before the start of the season, Moorpark High head softball coach Meaghan Stotts gave her catcher Taylor Neumann the ability to call her own pitches from behind the plate.

Stotts believes Neumann can find a way to get any hitter out except, of course, Neumann herself.

This season Neumann has been on a tear at the plate for the Musketeers, hitting .483 with two home runs and nine RBI. Neumann's slugging percentage is at an astronomical .862.

"She has tremendous confidence at the plate," Stotts said of her junior catcher. "With her being a catcher, she has a real understanding of what pitches will be thrown and what to expect."

Neumann has been on the varsity team since her freshman year. During her sophomore campaign, Neumann hit .333 with three home runs and 18 RBI. Although Neumann has always hit for a high average, she said she was looking to increase her power numbers this season.

"My goal is to try and lead the league in home runs," Neumann said. "When I was little I used to hit a lot of home runs, but now I'm just trying to hit the ball hard somewhere and hope it goes out."

TAKING HER CUTS- Taylor Neumann fouls a pitch off against Newbury Park. Neumann leads the team in batting average.

Because of Neumann's solid hitting, more teams have started to respect her bat by walking her when she comes to the plate.

"Last season Taylor had a big game against Royal when she hit two doubles down the right-field line to help us win and secure a playoff spot," Stotts said.

"This year when we played them, Taylor was walked a couple times and wasn't able to do muchAfter the game I heard Royal parents and fans saying that they weren't going to let that Neumann girl beat them again."

Although Neumann said she takes pride in other teams and fans knowing how well she is doingshe still wishes she could swing away every time she came up. "It can be frustrating sometimes," Neumann said. "I meanit's just one at-bat; it's just one hit. It's not like I'm going to hurt anyone. Okay . . . maybe I will, but I still want to hit."

Neumann receives a lot of respect from the Musketeers as well as her opposition. Stotts said her decision to let Neumann call her own game was out of the ordinary.

"I always wanted her to eventually call the pitches, but I wanted the time to be right," Stotts said. "I thought the start of her junior year was the right time. There is usually not even one second-guess when she's calling her game. She does a good job."

Junior pitcher Shawna Sturgill also believes Neumann does a good job handling the pitching staff.

"She's awesome," Sturgill said. "She seems to know exactly what to call on every pitch. She used to pitch herself, so she knows when I am doing something wrong. She also gives me a lot of confidence when I'm on the mound. When I'm down she won't hesitate to come talk to me and calm me down by making me laugh."

Neumann's tutelage covers more than just her Musketeer teammates. She also teaches young kids how to catch and hit.

"Coaching is something I might be interested further down the line after I'm done playing, so it's fun to help these kids out now," Neumann said.

Neumann said some of the best advice she receives on the field comes from Stotts, who began her coaching career at MHS the same year Neumann began her high school career.

"She is a great coach and she always tells me to give 110 percent," Neumann said. "She says if we all give our best, that's all she can ask for."

Stotts returned the compliment to Neumann.

"She is our go-to hitter," Stotts said. "When there's a gamewinning situation, she is the one we want at the plate. I don't assign captains on my teams, but she is definitely a leader on this team."

Although Neumann has half of her junior year and her whole senior year in front of her, the catcher has already started to think about playing softball in college.

Neumann said her college choices at the moment include the University of North Carolina, the University of Kentucky and San Diego State. Until the time comes to make that decision, Neumann said she's enjoying playing for Moorpark.

"I love this team because everyone gets along," she said. "Everybody has the same goal of winning and gives their best. I especially love the fact I get to play with my good friend Jamie Yaller, who I've played with since I was 7."