Taylor Edwards

Taylor Brianne Edwards was born on April 26, 1992, in Fountain Valley, California. She established herself as a formidable talent during her collegiate career at Nebraska from 2011 to 2014, where she was a four-year starter at catcher. Edwards achieved significant recognition, including becoming the first All-America catcher in school history and earning third-team NFCA All-America accolades as a freshman in 2011. She was also a finalist for the USA Softball Player of the Year Award that same year. Her senior year in 2014 saw her further elevate her status, being named a first-team All-American and receiving the Diamond Sports/NFCA Division I Catcher of the Year award, marking her as the nation’s top catcher.

Throughout her time at Nebraska, Edwards broke numerous records, including two NCAA records for most grand slams in a game (2 in 2013) and most consecutive games with a home run (6 in 2011). She retired with 17 school records, notably for career home runs (54), grand slams (4), walks (150), and hit-by-pitches (39). Her on-field performance included a career batting average of .327, 220 hits, 177 runs, 41 doubles, 54 home runs, and 202 RBIs. Her significant contributions led her to be one of only two players in school history to achieve two 50-RBI seasons and to have 40 career doubles and 40 career home runs.

Following her successful collegiate career, Edwards was selected as the No. 8 pick in the 2014 National ProFastpitch Draft, transitioning into professional softball. She has continued her career playing professionally for organizations such as Athletes Unlimited and has also played overseas in the Japanese Professional League. Edwards has been involved with USA Softball, earning a Gold Medal at the 2018 WBSC World Championship and the 2018 USA Softball International Cup. In 2021, she joined the Florida Vibe organization as a Brand Ambassador, focusing on growth strategies for Vibe Softball. She also served as a Big Ten Autonomy Representative in 2020.