Knoch’s Davis joining Geneva
JEFFERSON TWP — When it comes to switching schools and meeting new teammates, Taylor Davis has been there, done that.
Knoch’s senior right fielder began her high school softball career patrolling that position at Freeport as a freshman. Next year, she’ll be doing so for defending Presidents’ Athletic Conference champion Geneva College.
Davis recently signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball career with the Golden Tornadoes. She plans to pursue a career in sports psychology.
One of the top hitters in Knoch’s lineup, Davis also considered Mount Aloysius, Mercyhurst, Gannon and Thiel before opting for Geneva.
“It’s one of the best programs out there that was available to me,” Davis said. “The coach is also one of the athletic directors there. He’s been coaching there for a long time and really cares about the program.”
Van Zanic is in his 20th season as softball coach at Geneva. He led the team to a 36-5 overall record last season, 16-2 in the PAC, in leading the Tornadoes to the regular season and conference championships.
Zanic is 462-316 overall during his career at Geneva. Slippery Rock High School graduate Julia Hart is hitting .317 with 13 hits and seven RBI as a starting infielder for the Tornadoes, who are 10-6 so far this season.
“Taylor is one of our top four hitters in terms of batting average,” Knoch coach Gary Coe said. “She has an outstanding arm in right field and has a lot of speed on the bases.”
A three-year starter at Knoch, Davis hit over .300 last season and bats fifth or sixth in the Knights’ lineup. She plays travel ball with the Passion, as do Knoch teammates Lindsay Edwards and Madi Gardner.
“I’ve known those trwo for a long time,” Davis said. “They really helped me when I first came to Knoch. Transferring in from a rival school was a strange feeling, but the team welcomed me right away. Already knowing Lindsay and Madi was a plus.
“It was a little scary at first, going to a new school. I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
Davis fit right into the Knoch lineup. She even delivered the game-winning hit in the final inning of a wild win over Freeport last season at Laura Doerr Park.
“That was pretty exciting,” Davis admitted. “It felt good because they (Freeport) walked the girl in front of me so they could pitch to me.”
Coe said the biggest challenge for Davis at the next level will be mastering the mental part of the game.
“This sport is so mental,” the coach said. “You have to stay focused when things aren’t going well. You have to be mentally tough. There’s so many ups and downs a player has to navigate herself through.”
Davis agreed.
“Yeah, I let it get me down sometimes if I’m not doing well,” she said. “I’m gotten to the point now where I can just ride it out. Things aren’t always going to go your way.”
All Davis is concerned with now is “enjoying a good, fun season my senior year” before getting ready for her next transition.
“I’m hoping to start in right field as a freshman,” she said of Geneva. “That’s what I’m preparing for.”
