Taylor Schlopy

Classroom

The recipient of Jimmy and Barbara Turner Athletic scholarship, Schlopy is a child and family development major who is a two-time CoSIDA/ESPN Academic All-District second team selection, a three-time Dean’s List honoree, a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, a two-time UGA Athletic Director’s Honor Roll student and was also named to the SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll in 2008. Additionally, she earned NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete recognition in 2010.

Character

Schlopy was inducted into the inaugural UGA Student-Athlete Leadership Academy based on community service, academics and athletic achievement. A leader by example athletically, Schlopy also demonstrates vocal leadership and encouragement of her teammates on the field. Schlopy’s inspiration to do her best and get the best out of others is something she credits to her grandfather, who was one of the reasons she decided to attend the University of Georgia. Describing him as her best friend, it was one of her grandfathers dream’s to see Schlopy play. Unfortunately, Schlopy’s grandfather lost a battle with cancer during her freshman season and was unable to see her compete. The loss of her grandfather initially almost kept Schlopy from continuing her career at UGA, but despite being the hardest obstacle she’s faced while in college, Schlopy plays every game for her grandfather. One thing she does to help realize he’s by her side in every game is having her walk-up music before batting be Third Day’s “Offerings.” That song was one of her and her grandfather’s favorite songs to listen to together, and it serves as a constant reminder to Schlopy of who she plays for when she takes the field.

Community

Schlopy’s reach in the community is quite vast. Since the start of college, Schlopy has worked with an organization called Bright Futures, where she helps underprivileged children with different exercises and runs them through drills that they can do on their own. By giving these children support and individual attention, Schlopy not only helps them get into shape, but also helps them lead a healthy life. She credits her work with Bright Futures has having an impact on her life too, as it gives her strength by seeing the obstacles the children she works with overcome each and every day. An annual participant in aiding SOAR (Special Olympics Annual Run) and the SEC Canned Food Drive, Schlopy worked with North Cobb Elite in 2009 developing player skills and teaching the foundations of a swing. Also in 2009, she worked with Casa Hogar Belen and Angel Tree. Through Casa Hogar Belen, Schlopy purchased gifts and put together boxes for an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, while through Angel Tree, she delivered gifts to children with incarcerated parents. In 2010, Schlopy continued her work with Casa Hogar Belen while also taking part in Operation Christmas Child to put together gift boxes for children overseas. So far in 2011, Schlopy has participated in Girl Power Day, where she spoke to 150 underprivileged girls from the ages of 8-12 about the power of following one’s dreams.

Competition

Serving as the Bulldogs leadoff hitter, Schlopy is a table setter, which is demonstrated by the fact that she’s the school record holder for career on-base percentage at .517. That’s just one of the 13 different statistical categories that Schlopy holds a spot in all-time at UGA as she will enter the 2011 season currently second in career runs (191) and hit-by-pitch (40), third in slugging percentage (.641) and walk-to-strikeout ratio (1.14) and fourth in walks (116), stolen bases (72), batting average (.375) and triples (11). Schlopy, a Top 25 finalist for the 2010 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award, is a two-time All-American (Louisville Slugger/NFCA – ‘09 & ‘10, Easton – ‘09, ESPN.com – ‘10), a two-time All-Region selection and two-time All-SEC First Team selection who also earned All-SEC Freshman team honors in 2008. Additional competitive honors and accomplishments for Schlopy include having been selected to attend the USA Softball National Team selection camp in 2009 and subsequently being chosen to represent USA Softball at the Japan Cup where the USA earned a gold medal. She also was named a WCWS All-Tournament selection in 2009. In 2010, she set single-season school records with 79 run scored and an on-base percentage of .566. Schlopy was named a 2011 Preseason All-SEC team selection in January.