It's been a magical year for our spotlight player today, who won a second straight Florida high school championship, was named an All-American, hit .333 at PGF 16U Nationals last week and committed to a Big Ten school… all in her freshman year!

Learn more about this outstanding student-athlete whom you'll be hearing much more on over the next several years…

 

Name: TAYLOR BUMP
Grad Year: 2017
Pos: infielder
High School: Canterbury (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
GPA: 4.3
Club: Gold Coast Hurricanes-Arcuri
Stats (high school): hit .557 with 44 hits, seven home runs and 36 RBI
Honors: MaxPreps Freshman All-American
College: Michigan
 

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StudentSportsSoftball.com: It's rare to find an incoming sophomore who's already won two state titles! Yet you've won back-to-back Florida 2A championships… when you look back on these two winning seasons, what's the one memory or highlight that jumps out at you?
Taylor Bump: The best highlight that comes to mind with these two winning seasons is in the 2014 championship game, it was 0-0 in the top of the fifth inning. I hit the ball deep to shortstop and I beat the throw for an infield single. The next pitch, Danielle Romanello, hit a line drive to left field and I scored from first base. This was the only run of the game!

 

SSS.com: It's tough to win a championship once, let alone in consecutive years, especially when teams are gunning for you the second year. Which one was the most special, the first title or the repeat championship?
TB: The repeat championship was more special to me because my school, Canterbury School of Florida, had already won a championship in 2011, but no Canterbury team had ever won back-to-back. This 2014 team wanted to be remembered as something special, and now we are.

 

SSS.com: You have a 4.3 GPA so you're doing something right! What tips or suggestions do you have for other softball players in regards to balance and excelling on the field and in the classroom?
TB: Balance can be tough. It's not hard to get pulled in the wrong direction. Set your priorities and goals and work hard to accomplish them. I prioritize my workload and work ahead whenever I have the chance. Surround yourself with people who may have similar goals and who understand your goals and will help you reach them.

 

SSS.com: Let's talk recruiting: tell us how you were first seen by the Michigan coaches, then how long until they offered?
TB: The first time I was seen by the Michigan coaches was in my eighth grade year, spring of 2013. Coach Bonnie Tholl came to watch a high school practice. 17 months later, I received my offer.

 

SSS.com: When did you decide to commit and what led into the decision?
TB: I decided to commit this summer; it was a very easy decision for me and my family. I had already attended two Elite camps at Michigan where I fell in love with the coaching staff and the campus. They treated me like family. It was during the visits that I determined the University of Michigan was my No. 1 choice.

 

SSS.com: How did you tell the coaches, in person, on the phone, on an unofficial visit?
TB: I told them over the phone after returning from the Fireworks Tournament in Colorado.

 

SSS.com: Describe your emotions around telling them, were you more nervous or more excited?
TB: I was definitely excited rather than nervous because I feel so comfortable speaking with Coach (Carol) Hutchins, she is so down to earth and absolutely amazing!




SSS.com: Michigan has a lot going for it academically and athletically, but it can get cold! Any concerns about weather? What about distance?
TB: I honestly have no concerns about the weather in Michigan. I look forward to the change.   Being away from my parents will be an adjustment, but I have no concerns about it; after all, the flight is only two and a half hours from home.

SSS.com: Evaluate yourself: what do you think are your strengths as a softball player?
TB: I think that I am good both offensively and defensively, but there is always room for improvement. I think that I am a good leader on the field. It comes natural and easy for me to help teammates.

 

SSS.com: What areas do you want to improve before you step foot in Ann Arbor?
TB: I want to improve in all areas: offensively, defensively, leadership, and the mental part of the game.   The talent is only getting better, and I have to continue to improve.

 

SSS.com: You also have had a lot of success in volleyball… where does that sport tie in with your softball ambitions and goals?
TB: I am a very competitive person and I really enjoy playing volleyball. It has helped me become more disciplined, and well rounded. It is also great physical conditioning, which makes me lighter on my feet in the infield. Softball will always be No. 1 but volleyball gives a break from softball for a short time each year.

 

Quick Hitters

 

What do you want to major in?
Kinesiology, then go to medical school.

Fill in the blank… Humility aside, I feel I'm the best at:_________________
… leading the field on defense.

What do you think is the No. 1 issue in the world today?
Lack of world peace.

Favorite color:
Turquoise.

Favorite school subject:
Math.

What's your dream vacation?
Go to Italy and see all the famous sites such as the cathedrals.

What type of bat do you use (and why do you like it)?
Xeno (34-24). I love the feeling of the sweet spot.

What's the last song/CD you listened to?
Latch (feat. Sam Smith)--Disclosure.

Best movie you've seen in the last year?
The Fault in Our Stars.

What's something unusual or different about you that few know?
I write left-handed, but play sports right-handed.

How would your family describe you in one word?
Energetic.

What's your earliest childhood memory?
Riding in the boat to the beach.

What, in your opinion, is the key to softball success?
Believing in yourself and never giving up, softball is a very mental game.

Do you have any superstitions or softball rituals?
Yes, my mom writes me an encouraging letter before every game.