Taylor Pyke’s great expectations for her Mundelein softball career weren’t overambitious.
Starting for the Mustangs as a freshman was not out of the question for a player like Pyke, even on a talented team that reached the Class 4A state semifinals last year. But she figured she’d play third base.
Mundelein coach Heather Ryan had other plans.
“We had a hole at shortstop,” Ryan recalled.
So Pyke became the Mustangs’ shortstop.
“It showed what a gamer she is,” Ryan said. “She lives and breathes softball. She showed tremendous confidence as a freshman to make big plays at shortstop last season.”
Pyke also delivered big hits at the plate. She batted .421 with seven home runs, 47 RBIs and 41 runs scored as Mundelein went undefeated in the North Suburban Conference, won 36 of 39 games and finished fourth in 4A.
Pyke just wanted to be in the lineup and contribute to that success.
“I would play anywhere coach needed me,” she said. “I was open to playing anywhere as long as I was needed. I was definitely a little nervous, but I knew my teammates could trust me there.”
Pyke has not slowed down this season. She’s hitting .519 with a 1.680 OPS, three home runs, four doubles, 15 RBIs and 15 runs scored in nine games, leading the Mustangs (8-1, 2-0) in multiple offensive categories.
“I feel my confidence is a lot better than last year,” Pyke said. “I really focused on my batting stance and staying more consistent and more balanced when I’m swinging. I keep it simple and only look for my pitch. I also got stronger and faster and worked on my footwork for fielding.”
Ryan said one of Pyke’s best attributes is her ability to not get overwhelmed by the moment.
“From our first conversations, she’s always shown she can work through things,” Ryan said. “I never had to talk her off the ledge or boost her confidence because she knows she’s talented and can get the job done. That’s missing in a lot of kids.
“She’s a pure athlete, is super fit and has tremendous power in her arm and bat. She sees the ball very well, she’s very patient and her mental toughness is amazing.”
Mundelein senior first baseman Claire Connelly, a four-year starter who has committed to Indiana State, agreed that Pyke is a rare underclassman with a veteran’s mentality.
“Something that separates Taylor from other players is her poise in the box,” Connelly said. “She shows no emotion and let’s go of mistakes very quickly, which is a good attribute to have in this sport.”
But Connelly understood that Pyke was a freshman last season. Leaning on past experiences, Connelly wanted to make sure Pyke remained confident.
“I told Taylor to just let loose and prove to everyone why she deserved to be on the field,” Connelly said. “I also told her to just have fun. Being a senior, I know it goes by fast.”
Mundelein junior center fielder Kieley Tomas, a three-year varsity player, said the entire team believed in Pyke last year.
“We all had confidence in her and told her to just be herself because we all knew she had what it took to be our starting shortstop,” Tomas said.
Pyke’s father, Daniel, played football for one season at St. John’s University in Minnesota, and her mother, Kelly, was a defensive specialist in volleyball for Carmel and Michigan State. They’ve offered guidance too.
“My main advice to Taylor was to have fun on this adventure,” Kelly Pyke said. “We also talked to her about how important it is to be coachable, take feedback, have a great attitude and focus on what you can control.”
The Mustangs have been in control this season, and Pyke believes they have the potential to make another run to the state semifinals.
“I’m really excited and proud of our season so far,” she said. “We’ve been able to come through, and we’re very close. We’ve really bonded and learned from the state experience and are fighting to get back there again.”
Pyke will be a big part of that.
“She is a crucial player in the lineup, and she is going to continue to show how talented of a player she is over the next few years,” Connelly said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
