University of South Alabama softball freshman Taylor Bahos sat down with USAJaguars.com on Wednesday to discuss her decision to remain in Mobile and become a Jaguar after prepping just down the street at St. Paul's Episcopal School.
 
Bahos lettered six years for the Saints, securing single-season and career program records in doubles and walks, as well as fewest strikeouts in a minimum of 100 at-bats in a year. She finished her prep career with a .561 batting average and .634 on-base percentage.
 
As a senior, Bahos was named a 2014 Press-Register Coastal Alabama All-Region Softball Team and 2014 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State selection.
 
Bahos was a 2013 Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Class 5A Honorable mention selection in her junior year at the designated hitter position. She had 20 doubles, 30 RBIs, 30 walks and 43 runs scored for the Saints in 2013. Bahos, who was an All-State selection in 2012 and All-Mobile County pick last season, was also a four-time Kiwanis Club Player of the Week and a three-time All-Region selection.
 
"Taylor is a very balanced, quiet right-handed hitter who understands the timing and mechanics of her swing," USA head softball coach Becky Clark explained. "She has an intelligent approach at the plate and knows how to take what a pitcher is giving her and stay within herself. Because of her ability to work inside the ball and hit gap-to-gap, I anticipate her being a consistent contributor offensively as well as adding depth to our infield at first base, third base and second base."
 
What does it mean for you to play for your hometown college program?
"I've followed the team since I was little. I've grown up around all the people involved with this program; I pass the construction that's gone on and is still going on all the time. I've played with [Jaguar junior infielder] Emily [Messer] since I was in seventh grade and [senior pitcher] Kaleigh Floore also went to St. Paul's, so it is cool playing with people I already know."
 
How has the game changed for you after having stepped up to the next level?
"Definitely the competitiveness and how serious the players are. My high school team for the past few years was really young, so it wasn't quite as competitive and there was a lot of teaching and helping out. Here, everyone is good and really knows the game."
 
Did you have any motivations to go elsewhere to play?
 "I looked at some other schools, and, originally I thought I might want to go far away, but I've come to so many camps here and I've hit with [Jaguar assistant] coach [Kristina] McCain so many times that it just felt like home."
 
What kinds of goals have you set for yourself for your first season?
"I just want to do whatever I can to help the team be successful and get back to the Sun Belt championship and hopefully the World Series after that."
 
Quick Hits
Full Name: Taylor Alexis Bahos
Birthdate: May 16, 1996
Position: Infield
USA Major: Pre-Physical Therapy
Hobbies: Drawing and sleeping
Siblings: One brother, Blake, 13
Travel team: West Mobile Express, four years, second base
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Three wishes: Win a national championship, backpack across Europe and be successful
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).