Delaney Taylor was voted Duke Automotive-Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after going 6-of-7 with nine RBIs in two wins for the Lady Saints.

Taylor is a senior for the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy softball team. She recently wrapped up her senior season in what she calls her most enjoyable year of softball. In the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools championship game, in which NSA defeated the team that went on to be the state champions, Taylor played an impressive game. She went 3-of-4 with four RBIs, and that performance earned her tournament MVP.

The next day, NSA had to play in the quarterfinals of the VISAA state tournament. Taylor reeled in another three hits to go along with five RBIs and two runs. Her performance that game helped NSA move on to the semifinals with dominance. For the senior, the feeling was amplified due to this being her last high school season.

“Those two games were absolutely great,” she said. “Each at-bat and each play, I just tried to keep a cool head and have fun while it lasted. That helped me remain calm to do what I needed to do for my team.”

NSA’s season didn’t quite end how any of the players wanted it to, but the team made history. Being a part of that team was an incredible experience for Taylor, and she is thankful to be a part of such a special team. Taylor felt that this was her best season.

She had goals set out that she wanted to accomplish this year. Mainly she wanted to have fun and just enjoy the game, and she achieved that. Taylor knows that by having fun doing what she loves, it puts her in a position to be more successful. Her success was derived from making it her mission to enjoy her last season each time she stepped on the field.

“This was the best season of my varsity career and the best one to end my career at NSA with,” she said.

Taylor is motivated by her parents. They’ve made many sacrifices for her, so she works her hardest so that one day she can repay them in her own way.

“They’ve done so much for me regarding my softball career, school choice and just supporting me in everything I do,” she said. “I can’t thank them enough.”

Taylor’s most enjoyable moment this season was the last out of the TCIS championship game. After it was over, Taylor’s teammates ran up to her after her team had finally won a TCIS tournament title. She also finished her senior season as a TCIS second-team performer and second-team all-state performer.

In the fall, Taylor will be attending Guilford College. When Taylor signed her National Letter of Intent in late April, she said she couldn’t see herself attending any other school. She has a goal in mind to come in and start at second base, but she knows that won’t come easy.

She will double major in health sciences and exercise and sports science. Outside of softball, Taylor can be found staying on top of her school work.