University of Minnesota Athletics
Summer Update: Taylor Chell
9/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
The Gophers are back on campus and starting fall ball. Our final summer update is with sophomore Taylor Chell who dedicated her summer to the game she loves coaching up the future of softball.
Gopher Sports: First off how was your summer?
Taylor Chell: My summer was great!
GS: You spent a lot of time coaching this summer. What is it like to cross the lines from player to coach? What did you learn from your first year as a Gopher that helped you as a coach this summer?
TC: Coaching was a lot of hard work, but it was purposeful, and satisfying "work". I love going to practices especially because I get the chance to work with some hard working girls who love and respect the game. They never cease to make me laugh with some of the things they say and do. It honestly is the best job. I get to teach the game I love, and get to give the same opportunities and encouragement I was given while playing.
Crossing the lines from player to coach has made me better as a player, and a coach. While coaching I realized with every pitch I scanned the entire field for positioning of my players, prep steps, mechanics of the hitter and body language. I am going to try to incorporate looking for these aspects as I play. I also realized that tone is everything. So is knowing how your players best take criticism and how they learn. Some of my players get pumped up when I yell and some some get scared. Some learn by getting a compliment, and criticism, and all learn from accountability.
Each player is their own type of special, so I made sure that I got to know each of my players on a personal level so I may learn the best way to coach them. I also have realized how big body language is, and how much it impacts the ones around you. I have definitely been more aware on the emotions I may portray with my body language. Mentality is a huge part in the higher levels of playing. I have been working a lot with the girls on controlling what they think. And yes, I do take the time to teach confident thoughts and walking up the plate with confidence. It sounds irrelevant, but I saw results instantly. All I can say is that I have been blessed to be able to teach the game I love.
GS: What are you most looking forward to as you go into your sophomore season? What will you be looking to work on?
TC: I am looking forward to being tested by the game once again. Thre is nothing as satisfying as when you overcome something that once kicked your butt. I will be looking forward to working on becoming the best teammate I can possibly be. That is the most important aspect of this game, and if I cannot be a good teammate, then I have failed my team.
GS: What are your personal goals and team goals for the season?
TC: My personal goals is play the game right all the time. Respect the ones who played it before me, and play for all the right reasons. Team goal for the season would be to be Big Ten Champs and to go from there!
GS: Favorite app on your phone?
TC: Favorite app is Pandora. I am constantly listening to comedy.
GS: Favorite place on campus?
TC: My favorite place on campus is wherever there is food.
GS: If you have have any super power what would it be and why?
TC: If I could have any superpower it would be to have unearthly speed. That way I would never have to worry about shuttles.
GS: If you were stuck on an elevator for an entire day but could be stuck with one teammate who would you pick and why?
TC: Ellie Cowger. She would find someone positive about being stuck in an elevator.
