Taylor

Anna Taylor, Mansfield basketball

Name: Anna Taylor

High school: Juniata Valley

Hometown: Petersburg

Sport: Basketball

Position: Combo guard

College choice: Mansfield University

Other colleges considered: Juniata College and Lock Haven

Why I chose Mansfield: “There isn’t just one reason why I chose Mansfield. Although it was a difficult decision, I feel in my heart that Mansfield is where I belong. I value the team atmosphere and I was given a warm welcome, even during my very first time on campus. I prayed long and hard for guidance to help me make the right choice, and I truly believe I have found it.”

Greatest high school achievement: Being on varsity my freshman year and starting halfway through the season. The first game I started in was at Glendale and I had 25 points and took a charge at the end of the game that sealed the win.

Coach Elizabeth Radabaugh’s quote: “Anna has had playing in college as a personal goal since elementary school. She has remained focused every step of the way and never stopped working for it. The number of hours outside of practice that she dedicates to basketball is tremendous and she has always known that was necessary to reach her goals. In addition to working toward seeing her own dreams realized, she truly wants to see others succeed. She is a great teacher to her teammates and always encouraging. She is also a certified PIAA official and volunteers for our youth basketball games on Saturdays, is ranked top her class academically, is her class treasurer, National Honor Society chapter president, is active in her church community, and holds a part time job.”

How I got my start in basketball: “When I was in third grade I went to a basketball practice and from the moment I had the ball in my hand, I fell in love. When I was just starting basketball the varsity girls basketball team at Juniata Valley was very successful and made it all the way to the state championship. I looked up to those girls and wanted to be just like them when I grew up. I looked up to Hayden Taylor, Halee Smith, and Makayla Moskel like they were celebrities.”

Favorite college growing up: Penn State

What getting to play in college means to me: “Playing in college is a testament to my hard work, dedication, and the countless hours I’ve put in preparing for this moment. I’ve put in the effort and I am ready to take my game to the next level. I understand that this is just the beginning and I am fully committed to pushing myself even further. It is an honor to have the opportunity to play at the college level, and I am determined to make the most of it.”

Probable college major: Biomedical sciences

Parents: Christopher and Danielle Taylor