Softball came dangerously close to not being a part of Taylor Nordwald’s life.When encouraged by her parents to join the T-ball team as a youngster, she was not enthused. Now a senior at Warrenton High School, she cannot imagine her life without the game but still remembers crying her way out of signing up in the beginning.Much has been accomplished by Nordwald since rejecting the game a decade ago. Her Warrenton teammates are equally thankful she gave the sport a chance, because she has proven integral to the Warriors’ most successful stretch in program history, including a 17-1 start to this season. A varsity contributor since her freshman year, Nordwald has worked her way into the ace position, producing tremendous results on the mound.So far this season, she has gone 9-0 as a starter, sporting a tremendous 0.83 earned run average. She has struck out 41 batters, while walking just six. Nordwald has compiled a remarkable 24-4 over four seasons, establishing herself as one of the most notable pitchers to ever suit up for the Warriors.Her presence has also been felt at the plate, where she is currently fourth on the team with a .455 batting average. Nordwald has collected 20 RBIs and 20 hits, while scoring 17 runs.Outside of sports, she is also a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of Student Council and choir.She has already committed to play for Jefferson Community College, with plans to later transfer to a Division I or II school. Nordwald is excited to pursue a degree in special education, after being intrigued by the field through her social skills classes.Q: How did you develop your eventual love for softball?“As a player, I definitely think each coach helped me in a certain part of my career. I’ve had many coaches throughout the years being on different teams. They all kind of added up to make me who I am.”Q: How did you prepare yourself for the eventual role of ace?“I knew freshman year I wouldn’t have the starting spot. Each year I’ve been working hard to perfect what I’m doing. I’ve taken it game by game and tried to work on what I was doing along the way to reach where I am now.”Q: What is your signature strength on the mound?“I think it’s remembering that my defense has my back behind me, and that I don’t get too worried if they do get a hit.”Q: How have you developed your pitching ability?“I’d definitely say I’m hitting my spots and am more accurate than I was freshman year when I started this journey. I could throw strikes then. But now if they call outside and low, I can hit my spots a lot better and adapt.”Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment?“I would definitely say my biggest accomplishment has been being named GAC Player of the Year. I had no idea that it had happened, and it made it even cooler that I wasn’t expecting it.”Q: What has been most difficult for you to overcome?“The loss last year against Mexico in the playoffs. When Danielle (Baumgartner) hit that home run. That was definitely the biggest disappointment. We thought we had it. That’s what has driven us this year, to not feel that disappointment again this year.”Q: What has changed most about your hitting approach?“I’ve definitely improved with the mental game, and I think that’s helped a lot. Last year I wasn’t as smart. Last year I didn’t go up there with a plan, but this year I am. A lot of it is just mental.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“Ever since my freshman year, Coach (Rich) Barton has been a really big impact on my life and with being a leader of FCA. He’s an inspiration and someone who I would want to be like.”Q: How did you gain an interest in special education?“The summer before my junior year the softball team helped with the Challenger league. We got to become partners with special education students. It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had and makes you realize how lucky you are. The kids were awesome.”Favorite Food: “Mexican.”Favorite Restaurant: “Olive Garden.”Favorite TV Show: “Pretty Little Liars.”Favorite Movie: “The Blindside.”Favorite Song: “ ‘Yeah’ by Usher.”Favorite Musician: “Jason Aldean.”Nordwald