Katie Taylor runs the 4x4 during this year's EYL (East Yosemite League) meet.

Fresh meat freshman, no way
Marissa Martinez | 5/7/08 | Feature

But, freshman Katie Taylor is something different.

The summer of 2007 wasn't just a kick back for Taylor; she spent her summer running at Granite Hills High school. Taylor ran for the varsity and frosh/soph girls cross country team and didn’t' just blend in. For EYL (East Yosemite League) she took first in junior varsity and was simply one of the most dedicated runners on the team. Taylor has been running cross country/track since she was seven years old and surely it paid off in her freshman year.

Before coming to Granite Hills Taylor went to Burton for two months and before that she was at LaJoya middle school in Visalia.

"Coming to Granite has made me a better person and I have learned a lot just by attending,” Taylor said.

Just like salt and pepper, Taylor and Granite Hills are a perfect match.

During the winter Taylor didn't take a break from being athletic, Taylor rose to the challenge of playing varsity soccer for coach Gabe Rodriguez. Taylor, who is more of an offensive player (forward), had to switch things up in order to benefit the team. Taylor moved to defensive side and started almost every game as "sweeper" for the Grizzlies.

Without Taylor's support system she might have not come this far in just her freshman year.

"My mom, my dad and my aunt are always there to support and encourage me," Taylor said.

Now that spring is here so is track season. Taylor made the varsity track team this year and is running 800 meters, 400 meters, 4x1, and the 4x4.

The one race that gives Taylor butterflies is the 400 meter race. This race goes by very quickly and Taylor knows she simply has to give it all she has in order to be successful. Before Taylor lines up for any race, she tries to relax and chill with her friends. Just to calm her nerves down a bit.

To add onto the Taylor family and this year's soccer/track team is twin sister Jenny Taylor. Taylor (Jenny) is just around 60 seconds younger than her sis.

"While being competitive with each other I let her know she has a lot of talent and that I will always be there to support her," said Taylor (Jenny).

It's safe to say that the supportive twins keep each other up when times get bad.

"Katie is very special to me because we know everything about each other, we were best friends since before we could talk," Taylor (Jenny) said. "She is my exact opposite; very quiet with a completely crazy side. I know her love for running and soccer will someday take her to college and maybe even further. She is dedicated to what she does and is willing to work for what she wants."

 Don't just think that Taylor (Katie) is limited to sports. Taylor is very active in school and maintains at least a grade point average of a 2.0. If sports at Fresno State aren't in Taylor's future then she plans to pursue a career in becoming an orthodontist assistant or nurse.

Taylor will be competing in the area track meet this Wednesday, May 6, and she hopes to improve her time and even qualify for state.

The bottom line is simple; with the support of her family anything is possible for the young Katie “speedy” Taylor.