Post by CEZAR on Nov 27, 2013 12:21:28 GMT -6
I asked Venus Taylor a couple of Questions and asked her to tell us about herself and to give us her story, here is it,in her own words! enjoy!! thank you very much Venus your awesome and I wish you the best!
Hello Illinois Softball Fans and Friends!
It is an honor to be recognized by Illinois Softball and share my softball story. I received several interview questions however, when I was told my story would be posted on Thanksgiving...I decided to shift gears and try to capture all of the blessings that have come from either playing or coaching the sport of softball over the past 33 years.
I grew up in Moline, Illinois. I started playing softball when I was 5. I knew I loved the game from the moment I signed up for my elementary school softball league because I would get extremely excited about games and putting a uniform on. I would practice outside for hours and ask everyone in my family to play catch with me or pitch to me so I could practice my hitting. If no one was available...I would take my glove and ball to the playground and throw the ball against the brick wall at school and field the ball as it bounced off the wall.
I believe I was in sixth grade when I was approached by a gentleman who told me I should try out for a local travel team and that I had the skills to play at a higher level. I honestly had no idea what ASA was at the time nor did I understand what travel ball even was! I soon realized ASA would pave the way and serve as the platform for my softball career as well as so many others who play the sport.
I decided I wanted to find out more and I went to the Quad City Firebirds tryout and made the team. After my first year of playing with the Firebirds, Coach Ron Sanders formed the Quad City Blazers. I went on to play with the Blazers the remainder of my travel ball career and attribute much of my success in the sport to the experience, opportunity and environment that Coach Ron Sanders, Dave Waite, Mr. Klier and Mr. Rohm provided myself and the rest of my teammates. We were provided a very family oriented, loving and positive learning environment. They went above and beyond to make sure that we had the best of everything from equipment to travel accommodations, exposure etc.
As we grew together as an organization we became one of the best teams in the Midwest. We placed in the Top 10 at Nationals on several occasions. We loved to play and we loved to win!
When we reached our sophomore year, we all knew we wanted to take our talents to the next level and continue to play the sport we loved at the collegiate level. Impressively, almost every player on our team went on to play at the collegiate level on a Division I scholarship.
I have the most cherished and fond memories a kid could ever imagine with my coaches, teammates and families of the Quad City Blazers. My mom was a single mom when I first started my travel playing days as my dad had passed away of cancer at the young age of 25. My grandfather helped with costs however, she couldn't attend all the tournaments on the road because I also have a brother and she needed to be at home with him as well. The only reason I bring this up is because it was because of my mom's strength as well as the generosity and open hearts of all the families that took me in on the road that made it possible for me to continue playing at this level. I am forever grateful to all of you!
Next Chapter...off to college. I chose to stay close to home and attended Western Illinois University. I was very impressed with both Kathy Veroni and Lu Harris in the recruiting process. I was from a small town and to be honest I had no idea what the World Series even was when I signed my National Letter of Intent. Once again, there was a whole other world out there that I didn't even know about.
They say everything happens for a reason and when I look back on the process it is easy to question or ask myself if I had gone to a bigger university would I have had the opportunity to play in the World Series or possibly get a National Team invite?
I will never know that answer however, what I do know is I met the most influential mentor, coach and friend I could ever ask for in Kathy Veroni. Coach Veroni is a Hall of Fame Coach, pioneer, author and ambassador of the sport we all know and love. She is a gift from above and a true blessing in my life. To this day, if I call on her there is nothing she wouldn't stop and do to help me or anyone else that has played for her. She taught us life lessons how to function as winners, set high expectations, work hard, be disciplined, and make no excuses for what it is we want to do in this life.
I did have a dream when I was a little girl to be an Olympian. I watched every Olympic event and stayed glued to the tv with butterflies racing throughout my entire body. It was an overwhelming and indescribable feeling that came over me that I still get to this day when I watch the Olympic Games.
I never quite made the Olympic team however, high expectations, dedication, preparation, passion and my will to succeed at a high level provided me an unexpected opportunity. I was drafted out of college to play for the Women's Professional Softball League. I went on to play in the league for 7 years and met some of the most amazing coaches, people and friends that anyone could ever ask for. I truly have sisters for life who have been with me through thick and thin because of the bonds formed during this amazing experience. I was exposed to the game at an even higher level and learned so much along the way. It was a dream, honor and blessing all tied together.
I recall someone asking me "When are you going to stop playing softball and get serious about your life and your career?" My response then and now is "Softball is a big part of my life and always will be." I decided to coach. I wanted to give back to the game that has given so much to me. I wanted to inspire others to play this great game and provide knowledge to help young female athletes develop their skills and remain confident as they navigate their way to greatness. To me coaching is the next best thing to playing and at times even more rewarding as you are influencing and affecting so many people along the way.
I have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate and professional level. I have coached at the collegiate and professional level. I have been a national business manager for a major sporting goods company and I have recently created Taylor Made Softball and partnered with the Bo Jackson Elite Sports Dome to develop softball players.
The mission of Taylor Made Softball is to inspire and be a positive force for good. Motivate female athletes to reach their dreams and empower young women to make a difference in their life and the lives of others.
Several of us have played the game or stayed in the game because we truly love it. I can't even begin to discuss awards because at the end of the day the greatest reward is being able to play the game, coach the game and give back to the sport that has given us so much.
As far as my coaching philosophy...I am a big believer that almost everyone has the will to win but not everyone has the will to prepare to win and there is a big difference. Preparation is key. You can't expect to go into competition or a test without doing the work or studying and expect to get top results. Be in control of your effort and attitude and do the work.
I am proud to be a product and representative of Illinois Softball. I feel fortunate, blessed and thankful for all of the relationships and opportunities that have been built and provided to me through my wonderful journey in the sport of softball. Thanks to all!
Happy Thanksgiving and Best Wishes!
Venus Taylor
Hello Illinois Softball Fans and Friends!
It is an honor to be recognized by Illinois Softball and share my softball story. I received several interview questions however, when I was told my story would be posted on Thanksgiving...I decided to shift gears and try to capture all of the blessings that have come from either playing or coaching the sport of softball over the past 33 years.
I grew up in Moline, Illinois. I started playing softball when I was 5. I knew I loved the game from the moment I signed up for my elementary school softball league because I would get extremely excited about games and putting a uniform on. I would practice outside for hours and ask everyone in my family to play catch with me or pitch to me so I could practice my hitting. If no one was available...I would take my glove and ball to the playground and throw the ball against the brick wall at school and field the ball as it bounced off the wall.
I believe I was in sixth grade when I was approached by a gentleman who told me I should try out for a local travel team and that I had the skills to play at a higher level. I honestly had no idea what ASA was at the time nor did I understand what travel ball even was! I soon realized ASA would pave the way and serve as the platform for my softball career as well as so many others who play the sport.
I decided I wanted to find out more and I went to the Quad City Firebirds tryout and made the team. After my first year of playing with the Firebirds, Coach Ron Sanders formed the Quad City Blazers. I went on to play with the Blazers the remainder of my travel ball career and attribute much of my success in the sport to the experience, opportunity and environment that Coach Ron Sanders, Dave Waite, Mr. Klier and Mr. Rohm provided myself and the rest of my teammates. We were provided a very family oriented, loving and positive learning environment. They went above and beyond to make sure that we had the best of everything from equipment to travel accommodations, exposure etc.
As we grew together as an organization we became one of the best teams in the Midwest. We placed in the Top 10 at Nationals on several occasions. We loved to play and we loved to win!
When we reached our sophomore year, we all knew we wanted to take our talents to the next level and continue to play the sport we loved at the collegiate level. Impressively, almost every player on our team went on to play at the collegiate level on a Division I scholarship.
I have the most cherished and fond memories a kid could ever imagine with my coaches, teammates and families of the Quad City Blazers. My mom was a single mom when I first started my travel playing days as my dad had passed away of cancer at the young age of 25. My grandfather helped with costs however, she couldn't attend all the tournaments on the road because I also have a brother and she needed to be at home with him as well. The only reason I bring this up is because it was because of my mom's strength as well as the generosity and open hearts of all the families that took me in on the road that made it possible for me to continue playing at this level. I am forever grateful to all of you!
Next Chapter...off to college. I chose to stay close to home and attended Western Illinois University. I was very impressed with both Kathy Veroni and Lu Harris in the recruiting process. I was from a small town and to be honest I had no idea what the World Series even was when I signed my National Letter of Intent. Once again, there was a whole other world out there that I didn't even know about.
They say everything happens for a reason and when I look back on the process it is easy to question or ask myself if I had gone to a bigger university would I have had the opportunity to play in the World Series or possibly get a National Team invite?
I will never know that answer however, what I do know is I met the most influential mentor, coach and friend I could ever ask for in Kathy Veroni. Coach Veroni is a Hall of Fame Coach, pioneer, author and ambassador of the sport we all know and love. She is a gift from above and a true blessing in my life. To this day, if I call on her there is nothing she wouldn't stop and do to help me or anyone else that has played for her. She taught us life lessons how to function as winners, set high expectations, work hard, be disciplined, and make no excuses for what it is we want to do in this life.
I did have a dream when I was a little girl to be an Olympian. I watched every Olympic event and stayed glued to the tv with butterflies racing throughout my entire body. It was an overwhelming and indescribable feeling that came over me that I still get to this day when I watch the Olympic Games.
I never quite made the Olympic team however, high expectations, dedication, preparation, passion and my will to succeed at a high level provided me an unexpected opportunity. I was drafted out of college to play for the Women's Professional Softball League. I went on to play in the league for 7 years and met some of the most amazing coaches, people and friends that anyone could ever ask for. I truly have sisters for life who have been with me through thick and thin because of the bonds formed during this amazing experience. I was exposed to the game at an even higher level and learned so much along the way. It was a dream, honor and blessing all tied together.
I recall someone asking me "When are you going to stop playing softball and get serious about your life and your career?" My response then and now is "Softball is a big part of my life and always will be." I decided to coach. I wanted to give back to the game that has given so much to me. I wanted to inspire others to play this great game and provide knowledge to help young female athletes develop their skills and remain confident as they navigate their way to greatness. To me coaching is the next best thing to playing and at times even more rewarding as you are influencing and affecting so many people along the way.
I have had the opportunity to play at the collegiate and professional level. I have coached at the collegiate and professional level. I have been a national business manager for a major sporting goods company and I have recently created Taylor Made Softball and partnered with the Bo Jackson Elite Sports Dome to develop softball players.
The mission of Taylor Made Softball is to inspire and be a positive force for good. Motivate female athletes to reach their dreams and empower young women to make a difference in their life and the lives of others.
Several of us have played the game or stayed in the game because we truly love it. I can't even begin to discuss awards because at the end of the day the greatest reward is being able to play the game, coach the game and give back to the sport that has given us so much.
As far as my coaching philosophy...I am a big believer that almost everyone has the will to win but not everyone has the will to prepare to win and there is a big difference. Preparation is key. You can't expect to go into competition or a test without doing the work or studying and expect to get top results. Be in control of your effort and attitude and do the work.
I am proud to be a product and representative of Illinois Softball. I feel fortunate, blessed and thankful for all of the relationships and opportunities that have been built and provided to me through my wonderful journey in the sport of softball. Thanks to all!
Happy Thanksgiving and Best Wishes!
Venus Taylor