The defending national champion UCLA Bruins (yes, going all the way back to 2019) signed five standouts this month in the Class of 2021 and really reloaded with quality talent at the infield position.
One of those is Taylor Stephens, a senior at Gahr (Cerritos, California) High and member of Firecrackers TJ 18U, who was ranked #26 in the 2021 Extra Elite 100 that was published on Oct. 28, 2020.
Taylor, according to Coach TJ Houshmandzadeh, has “great hands, athleticism and range and has game-changing speed. She is an absolute terror on the bases.”
The future Bruin hit .463 at the prep level last year with 34 RBIs, 16 steals and only two errors in 24 games and can play shortstop, third and second base equally well.
Here’s a closer look at her big week signing with Kelly Inouye-Perez’s UCLA program…
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Where did you sign your Letter of Intent?
I signed my official Letter of Intent at home.
What did you do anything to celebrate the big day?
We had a really nice gathering the night before and I was fortunate enough to have had an outdoor gathering at a restaurant with some friends, family and coaches to celebrate. On the official signing day, my immediate family came together and we celebrated at home.
What date did you actually commit and how long ago was it?
I committed September 13, 2017 as an incoming freshman so three years ago.
What highlight stands out to you about the recruiting process?
The fact that college coaches are interested in you and each one wants to show you their school and what they have to offer stands out in my mind. They make you feel so important and welcomed and I do think that attending basketball and football games and meeting people was definitely a highlight in the recruiting process.
What was the “aha” moment when you knew that UCLA was the right place for you?
My “aha” moment happened when I was 7-years-old. That’s when I became a UCLA fan. I would attend the softball games as a young girl and dream about one day playing there. So, in all honesty, I’ve always been locked in and had my mind set on going to this university.
*** Scroll down to read more about Taylor’s journey to signing with UCLA…
