Taylor Wike: Driven from the Start

When scouting Carolina's 2018 roster, there are a few names that immediately come to mind. The four-year starter and team leader in RBIs and slugging percentage, with a .347 average and 43 hits, Taylor Wike is one of those names.

"Taylor has always been one of those people that make our lineup go on the offensive side and defensively," head coach Donna J. Papa said. "She makes tough plays. She's done some really outstanding things for us these past four years."

But, softball wasn't Wike's first love. The senior from Hiddenite, North Carolina grew up riding horses with her parents, thinking she didn't want to play softball. However, that quickly changed when Wike watched her neighbor's t-ball practice from the stands.

"I was sitting in the bleachers when the coach came over and asked me if I wanted to play," Wike said. "My parents packed cleats and a glove in the car that I didn't know about. That was my first day of t-ball."

Wike played catcher, second base and shortstop growing up but with time, short was hers. Playing at a state championship high school in Alexander Central, Papa immediately took notice of Wike both offensively and defensively.

"She was one of the standout players for Alexander Central all four years," Papa said. "Taylor was a standout in terms of defense and her hitting. She was a competitor. You could tell she was a tough out at the plate and tough on the field. She loved the game and was somebody I wanted in our program."

The two-time North Carolina State Player of the Year and 2013 high school All-American made an immediate impact for the Tar Heels. However, with a two-time NFCA All-American at short in Kristen Brown, Wike moved back to second, but that didn't limit her success.

"When I came in, I was a shortstop, but KB was here and I was like 'she can have that' and I moved to second," Wike said. "Thinking behind second base, you cover the bunt and help the shortstop on a steal. The first month or two I had to adjust to seeing the ball from a new angle off the bat, but the transition back to shortstop wasn't bad."

Wike started all 53 games for Carolina her freshman year, leading the team in batting average, on-base percentage and hits, earning her a spot as a finalist for the NFCA Freshman of the Year honor.

Throughout her four years donning the Carolina Blue, Wike has played in all but one game, making 108 starts at second and 104 starts at shortstop to date. With a great eye for the ball, Wike is the Carolina Softball career record holder in walks with 120 and double plays turned with 48. She also has her name in the top-10 in 10 categories: batting average, on-base percentage, stolen bases, stolen base percentage, hits, runs scored, total bases, intentional walks, hit by pitch and assists.

These accolades are nothing to overlook, but Wike has her eyes set beyond the individual numbers.

"The individual awards are great, but that's not our goal," Wike said. "First we want to win our division, then ACCs and make the NCAA Regional."

According to Papa, this mentality is fitting to her personality and her team-first mentality.

"She's been the leader on our infield," Papa said. "She's solid performer day in and day out. She's a hard worker and invests in the program and the team. Taylor works outside of our normal practices to put in extra time getting better."

Although, Wike's days are numbered on the field, the exercise and sport science major doesn't plan to stay away from the game she loves, hoping to transition as Carolina's volunteer assistant coach. Regardless, the impact Wike has made is undeniable and long-lasting.

"She leads a lot by example on the field," Papa said. "I'm very proud that she's wearing a Carolina uniform. She represents us in a good positive way on and off the field. She does the things she's supposed to be doing in the classroom, off and on the field. Somebody like that is very impactful and she will be missed."

Wike and the Tar Heels return to action at Anderson Stadium Friday, Saturday and Monday to take on NC State.

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