It’s not surprising when Taylor Pannell, an infielder from Milan, Illinois who plays with the Beverly Bandits and is committed to the Auburn Tigers, admits the color she favors most in her wardrobe is orange.
The outstanding 8th grader—who was rated in the Top 10 of her class by Extra Inning Softball—could have gone to any Power 5 Conference she wanted to and in this exclusive player spotlight reveals what it was about Mickey Dean’s Tigers that swayed her to the SEC school.
And you’ll also learn about one of her on-field strengths that she’s most proud of because it once was a weakness she worked hard on to improve…
NAME: TAYLOR PANNELL
Hometown/ST: Milan, Illinois
Grad Year: 2022
Position(s): 3B/SS
Club Team: Beverly Bandits – Harkness
High School (City/ST): Rock Island High (Rock Island, Illinois
GPA: 4.0
College: Auburn
When committed? January 2018
Top Honors/Accomplishments: Ranked #8 in the Extra Elite 100 for the 2022 class
Other Sports? Track & Volleyball
Other Universities Considered: Missouri, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Syracuse, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan
Preferred College Major: Undecided
Coach’s Quote: “Taylor is a consistent line drive hitter with power to all fields, as well as home run power. And is also an excellent fielder and can play both 3rd base and middle infield. She has a strong accurate arm. Taylor has game-changing speed and is very fast on the bases. With her glove she makes tough ground balls and bunts look easy. Taylor also has a very high softball IQ and is able to make the difference in a game with key plays.” – William Harkness, Beverly Bandits
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What did you do for spring break this year?
My spring break was last week and I went down to Auburn to watch the Auburn vs Alabama games. War Eagle 🦅
This Sunday is Easter… does the holiday have any special meaning to you and if so what?
Holidays are when I can spend time with my whole family and do not travel for softball. My little sister and I always watch the movie Hop and eat candy. I go to my grandparents for Easter Egg Hunts, too.
You’re headed to Auburn and committed to the Tigers in January. Walk us through the decision-making process and how you committed… (in person on campus or off? On the phone?)
I went down there for a visit and really liked the campus. It seemed like the perfect place for me. After all of my visits I knew it was where I wanted to go. I called Coach (Mickey) Dean and told him I wanted to play for him in college.
