Senior Spotlight: Taylor Simonsen on missing a softball season
As Lynden Schools seniors saw their school year end prematurely, that included the loss of their final opportunity to participate in spring activities. This series recognizes the seniors across a variety of activities, with this post focusing on softball.
Missing out on her senior season of softball has been disappointing, but Taylor Simonsen, the only returning senior on the Lynden softball team, knows she still has special memories.
Coach Ed Bomber says that not only did Simonsen lead the team on the field — and especially at the plate where she led the team in home runs, RBIs and batting average — but is also a “great kid and a tough competitor.”
Simonsen shares on what it has meant to be part of Lynden softball and how she’s reacted to missing her senior season before heading off to play at Bellevue College next year. In her words:
I have been dreaming about playing for the Lady Lion Softball team since I was a little girl. My grandpa, mom and aunts have all been instrumental in developing and sustaining this program from day one and it has been part of who I am my entire life. I love Lynden Softball.
The past four years of being a part of LHS softball has brought me incredible memories but more importantly lifelong friendships. When you cross the white lines together, you are bonded for life.
One of my most memorable times will be our state tournament trip in May 2019 where we placed in the top-five at state. Only two Lynden Softball teams have ever placed at state in the program’s history. It was an incredible journey that I will never forget.
As the only returning senior this year, I was five home runs away from breaking the all-school home run record. I was looking forward to leading the Lady Lions back to day two of the state tournament. I was looking forward to long bus rides, team dinners and competing alongside my girls.
This team is filled with hardworking, talented girls who have all worked tirelessly this past year in the off season. I’m so thankful for them and for Coach Bomber, who has put so much time into our team. These girls will be back with a vengeance in 2021 and I will be their biggest fan.
My heart is broken to be missing out on this season, but I will always be a part of LHS softball. I look forward to my next chapter playing softball at Bellevue College next year.
Lynden Softball also welcomed a senior transfer student, Haley Greene-Harris, who was planning on playing for the Lions for the first time this season.
