Woodhaven senior Mia Taylor has turned her faith, hard work, dedication and a commitment to “being better every day” into a rewarding and satisfying high school career with a promising future.

The standout softball player says she has always pushed herself to be a difference-maker and tees up some sound advice for younger athletes looking to make a difference in their lives as they begin their journey.

“I’d say keep it simple and don’t overthink it,” Taylor said. “Work hard, be coachable and don’t get too caught up in results right away. There are going to be good days and bad days, especially early on, and that’s normal. Just focus on showing up, getting a little better each time and staying consistent.”

Taylor has done exactly that since stepping on the campus at Woodhaven High School. The 17-year-old senior maintains a 3.7 GPA while also competing as a four-year varsity athlete.

Her softball career began at age 8, and along the way she has played for elite travel organizations, including the Beverly Bandits in Chicago and the Birmingham Thunderbolts in Alabama. These experiences allowed her to develop as a versatile player, competing in both the middle infield and the outfield.

“I originally fell in love with the game because of its competitive nature and the lifelong camaraderie I’ve built with my teammates,” she said.

Those teammates include plenty of “Warriors.”

“My high school career has been rooted in a culture of success and gratitude,” she said. “During my freshman year, we went 15-1 in the Downriver League and reached the Division 1 State Finals. Those early years were especially meaningful because I had the blessing of playing alongside my older sister, Brooke Taylor.”

Woodhaven won league and district titles during her sophomore and junior seasons.

“Even in moments of disappointment – like our regional loss to Saline – I’ve learned to trust God’s plan, knowing that every challenge is shaping me into a stronger athlete andperson,” said Taylor, who recorded 17 triples last season and entered her senior year setting her sights on challenging the all-time national records (22 in a season and 48 for a career).

Heading into May, Taylor had a .481 batting average, 30 triples and a .750 slugging percentage for her career. She has earned three All-League, All-District, and All-Regional honors, as well as First Team All-State recognition as a junior.

“None of this would be possible without the support of my coaches,” she said. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to the coaching staff at Woodhaven High School, my travel coaches and the entire Birmingham Thunderbolts organization.”

Taylor will continue her softball career next year at Boston College.

“I chose BC for its exceptional academic reputation and plan to study in the medical field and hopefully use that path to help others in the future,” she said. “I am particularly excited for the opportunity to compete in the ACC, facing some of the best talent in the country every single weekend. I’ve already met my future roommates and love the Boston area. I am incredibly excited for this next chapter and ready to give everything I have to the Eagles.”

Taylor tees up one more swing of advice for younger student-athletes.

“Don’t lose sight of why you started playing in the first place,” she said. “For me, it was loving the game and the people around it. That part matters just as much as anything else.