Name: Taylor Payne
School: Bellwood-Antis
Age: 17
Article Photos
Grade: Junior
Sport: Softball
Athlete of the week achievement: Payne was the winning pitcher in victories over West Branch, Juniata Valley, Southern Huntingdon and Central. She gave up 20 hits and six earned runs in 29 innings and recorded 27 strikeouts and seven walks. She also went 8-for-15 with two home runs, two doubles and four RBIs.
Season update: Payne has a 17-3 record with 167 strikeouts in 120 innings this season and has given up 16 earned runs.
Coach Jim Payne's quote: "She works very hard and is very dedicated, and this has all led to her success. As a coach you're very happy to have a player like her. As her dad, I'm very proud.''
Favorite teacher: Miss Forshey
Favorite subject: Algebra II
Favorite movie: "Billy Madison''
Favorite food: Chicken cheese steak from Alpho's
Favorite song: "Iris'' by Goo Goo Dolls
Outside interests: Bowling, going to bonfires
Favorite professional team: Oakland Raiders
Favorite college team: Michigan
Pro athlete most admired: Tim Tebow
Best athlete I ever played with: Taylor McKnight
Best athlete I ever competed against: Ligonier Valley's Maddy Grimm
Most influential person on my athletic career: Parents, Jim and Wendy, and Bob Heuston and Bill Sheehan
Proudest athletic achievement: Getting second place in the USSSA World Series in Toledo, Ohio
How I got my start in softball: "I brought home a paper for the Bellwood Girls Softball League and wanted to play. Vic Rizzo then got me into summer ball with the Altoona Express.''
Future goal: "Play college ball and become a dermatologist.''
