The year 2020 was memorable for everyone for a multitude of reasons.
For Lady Magic – Munoz junior centerfielder Dakota Kennedy and junior shortstop Tayler Biehl–both of whom are in the Top 50 of the 2022 Extra Elite 100–it was the year they became Arizona Wildcats.
The club teammates became the first players in the history of the Lady Magic organization to commit to Coach Mike Candrea and the Arizona Wildcats and per their coach, Lindsey Munoz, both players exemplify the phrase “Championship programs want championship players.”
“Tayler is one of the most reliable shortstops a coach will find,” Coach Munoz explains. “It’s not uncommon to see her leave a tournament with ripped pants, covered in dirt, and a huge smile on her face!”
In Dakota, the Wildcats are getting a two-way standout with power and speed.
“She covers the outfield from foul pole to foul pole,” raves her coach, and Dakota’s effortless swing produces majestic home runs that leave jaws on the floor.”
Besides their obvious talent, Coach Munoz believes the duo will make a quick and impressionable impact once they hit Tucson.
“They both stand out as humble and mature leaders,” she says. “The future is bright for these two Wildcats… Bear Down!”
We had a chance to ask Tayler and Dakota some questions about why they chose the University of Arizona and what it’s like playing on their Lady Magic 18u team… here’s what they had to say:
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What about Arizona attracted you?
Dakota: One thing that really attracted me was the way the team held themself. You can see how confident all of the players look on the field and also how much confidence they have in each other as a team.
Tayler: The winning and family like tradition of the softball program at the University of Arizona really attracted me. Growing up watching my aunt go through the Arizona program, I knew from a young age this was where I wanted to be. Wanting to be a part of the culture of this program was a no brainer when making my final decision. Along with the amazing coaches, players and softball program as a whole, University of Arizona’s campus felt like home. With my older brother currently attending U of A, the transition will be even easier.
Do you know any of the players there already?
Dakota: I don’t personally know any of the players, but I do follow most of them on social media and many of them follow me as well.
Tayler: I do not personally know any current Arizona players, but I have been to camps with a few of the girls prior to my commitment.
Are you looking forward to playing together at the next level?
Dakota: I am so excited to play together at the next level with Tayler because she is one of a kind. She’s so competitive and it makes you want to be at her level at all times. We’ve played together for a couple years now so i’ve had a chance to grow closer to her, and overall she’s a great person and an even better player.
Tayler:Yes, I am very excited that I will be going into the program with a very good teammate and friend. I’m super excited that I will be able to play with Dakota for another 4 years after Magic.
What do you think about UA’s great heritage including Coach Candrea?
Dakota: I love the fact that everyone buys into the team and comes together as one. Coach Candrea loves his team and it’s amazing that he wants them to succeed no matter the situation.
Tayler: I absolutely love the heritage that Coach Candrea has brought to Arizona. I am so excited to be a Wildcat and learn from the best coaching staff in college softball. I am even more excited to be a part of the Wildcat softball family that Coach Candrea has created. He not only has created a winning program he has created a “family” like program like no other. You can feel the excitement his current and former players have for Coach and his staff.
What does playing for the Lady Magic mean to you?
Dakota: To me Lady Magic means playing for something other than yourself. Everyone knows that “there’s no I in team,” but on Magic this is so true because everyone is playing for each other and we all want to see each other reach our full potential.
Tayler: Playing for Lady Magic means not only representing the program, but also representing my sport and the younger girls looking up to me. Lady Magic is not only a team but a family-like atmosphere where everyone is trying to be the best they can be by pushing others to be better as well.
What are you looking forward to most this summer?
Dakota: What I’m looking forward to most this summer is seeing all of our hard work pay off. We have been working so hard as a team and I can’t wait to spend the summer letting all of it be worth it. This team is truly something special and I’m so excited to be back out on the field together again.
Tayler: I am looking forward to competing with the best group of girls on the field.
