This Maryland high school player profiles series is presented by the U.S. Army.
This Maryland high school player profile series is presented by the U.S. Army.
Senior Rachel Roupe and junior Madison Taylor of the Boonsboro High School softball team were nominated for the high school player profiles series by head coach Mark Wadel.
“They combined to throw a perfect game on April 26 against Williamsport,” Wadel said. “They threw three innings each and nine retired batters each. The two girls were great this year!”
The tandem of Roupe and Taylor led Boonsboro to a 15-0 win against Williamsport (Md.) High School that day. Roupe and Taylor answered a few questions about receiving this honor.
PressBox: What does it feel like to you to be honored by your coach like this?
Rachel Roupe: It shows how much he cares and it’s nice knowing that you have people behind you who are willing to give you the recognition that you deserve.
Madison Taylor: I felt really honored. I’m proud to have had him as a coach all three of my years here.
PB: How were you feeling going into that game against Williamsport April 26?
RR: Coming into that game, I felt pretty good. I try to relax before every game. I had a lot of energy and also our bus ride there was delayed, so I just tried to stay focused and relaxed.
MT: It felt like any normal day, but I was really excited. I didn’t know that Rachel was throwing a perfect game at the time and I felt honored that they put me in there to show what I had.
PB: What do you think was the key to your individual success and the team’s success this season?
RR: We learned to really trust each other, which helped a lot. We didn’t take any team lightly. Once we got our energy consistently going as a team, everyone’s a lot more in the game and it made it a better environment for me to pitch in.
MT: I know that our team has a lot of talent, and I know that the girls have been working really hard over the summer through travel ball and the like. Individually, I’ve worked out constantly and made sure to get those extra reps in and it’s made a big difference.
PB: Where does the perfect game rank in terms of your favorite moments so far in your softball career?
RR: I had never experienced something like that before, so that was a unique and different moment I won’t forget.
MT: I’d say this one’s pretty high up in the books.
PB: What are your plans for the rest of high school and post-graduation?
RR: My freshman year, I committed to play Division I softball for Liberty University, and now, I’m just training and preparing for college. Also, I’m going to make sure I succeed on and off the field once I’m there, as I’ll be majoring in biology.
MT: For softball, my goals are to make the All-County team and as for college, once I get there, I’m going to work to do the best I can. Keep working hard.
To nominate an athlete or team for a future U.S. Army Player/Team Profile, visit PressBoxOnline.com/Impact.
Photo Credits: Heather Dillow