Taylor named OAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month

Muskingum softball junior outfielder Cara Taylor has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month for March.

When it comes to defining what it means to be a scholar-athlete, few embody it as completely as Taylor. Whether she's delivering clutch performances on the field or excelling in the classroom, Taylor has cemented herself as a leader for the nationally recognized Muskingum softball team, setting a high standard for student-athletes across the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC).

Taylor's academic achievements are nothing short of elite. As an engineering major, she carries an outstanding 3.96 GPA, a testament to her dedication and relentless work ethic. Balancing the demands of a rigorous STEM curriculum with the responsibilities of being a top-tier athlete requires discipline, something Taylor has embraced throughout her time at Muskingum. She has been named to the President's List five times, a prestigious recognition awarded to students who achieve the highest level of academic excellence.

Beyond her own studies, Taylor is also deeply committed to helping others succeed. She serves as a tutor in math and physics, assisting fellow students with challenging coursework, and is an active member of the General Engineering Advisory Council, where she contributes to the growth and development of Muskingum's engineering program. Her dedication to academics has also earned her the Science Student of the Month award, further showcasing her excellence in the classroom.

While Taylor's academic record is impressive, her dominance on the field is equally remarkable. As a key leader for the Muskies, she was a driving force behind the team's historic postseason run in 2024. Her offensive firepower and speed on the basepaths led Muskingum in multiple statistical categories, including:

• Batting average (.390)
• At-bats (159)
• Hits (62)
• Runs (40)
• Stolen bases (28)
• On-base percentage (.467)

Her standout performance throughout the season did not go unnoticed. Taylor earned multiple prestigious honors, including:

• First Team NFCA All-Region
• First Team All-OAC
• OAC Hitter of the Week
• CSC Academic All-District
• Academic All-OAC

"The softball program has an expectation of excellence that I believed has helped prepare me for success." said Taylor. "Being a part of the team has allowed me to join a community of girls who push me to be better every day both on the field and in the classroom. Through Muskingum University softball I have gained relationships I hope to keep forever."

Taylor's impact played a pivotal role in Muskingum's deep postseason run, as the Muskies punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 21st time in program history. The team's momentum carried them to the NCAA Moravian Regional Championship, followed by an appearance in the NCAA Super Regional for the first time since the tournament format changed in 2014. Muskingum's historic season propelled them to a No. 19 ranking in the NFCA/GoRout Division III Preseason Top 25 Coaches Poll, setting the stage for another exciting campaign.

Muskingum Softball Head Coach Laina Connor spoke highly of Taylor's ability to excel both academically and athletically:

"Cara Taylor embodies the full meaning of being a student-athlete. She pursues excellence in the classroom as well as on the field. Cara's self-discipline and work ethic have propelled her into becoming a 2024 All-Region selection while also maintaining an elite GPA in the engineering program."

As Taylor enters another season with the Muskies, her leadership and determination continue to set the tone for the program. With her unwavering commitment to success, both academically and athletically, she serves as a role model for her teammates and the entire Muskingum community.

"Being a student on top of being an athlete teaches you work ethic, time management, and accountability," stated Taylor. "As a student-athlete you must find the time to perform in the classroom, so you are able to perform on the field. It takes constant communication not only with your team but with your professors. Being a student-athlete forces you to learn life skills preparing you for the future."

With Taylor leading the charge, Muskingum is poised for another strong season, looking to build on their recent success and continue climbing the national rankings.