BOONE, N.C. -- Baylee Morton and
Taylor Nichols graduated from Appalachian State University this past May after playing softball for the Mountaineers throughout most of their collegiate careers. Recently, they each shared their experiences at App State, as well as what they have accomplished since they finished their undergraduate studies.
Baylee Morton
Q: What have you been up to since your graduation this past May?
A: Since graduation, I have started a new job teaching middle school PE at a charter school back in Union County. I am also coaching a travel team, a middle school basketball team and a high school softball team. I am currently giving lessons on some evenings to athletes. I got engaged to Matt Anders, whom I met at App State.
Q: What have you learned about post-grad life in the past few months and what experiences led you to those lessons?
A: Post-grad life is a different kind of hard than college athletics. Being a college athlete was so challenging and rewarding, just like teaching and coaching can be. Through college athletics, I learned how to be adaptable and teaching is all about adapting. I learned that the good times will always outweigh the bad, just like in teaching. Some days are really hard but those good days make it worth it.
Q: How did your time at Appalachian State University prepare you for your current and future plans?
A: I always knew that sports were a passion of mine, but now, instead of playing, I am coaching those who have the same dreams that I did.
Q: How did your time with the App State softball team help you grow as a person and a professional?
A: During my time with App State softball, I turned into a strong woman. Being around a coaching staff and a team that builds women up is a blessing. I learned how to be accountable and take responsibility for my actions, good and bad.
Q: What advice would you give to current student-athletes about what they can expect after they walk across the stage?
A: Know that there is a life after softball. People will forget the wins, losses and stats but they will not forget how you treated them and made them feel. Keep up with your teammates after graduation. Some of my best friends to this day are those that played here.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from being on the App State softball team?
A: My favorite memories would have to be traveling as a team. As I look back on it now, that is what I miss most, being a part of something so special and so close-knit.
Q: Would you say that being a part of the App State softball program prepared you for life after college and athletics? How so?
A: Yes. The failures, the highs and lows constantly, are a lot like life. I always tell my athletes that this game can teach them so much about life. As soon as you think you got it all figured out, something comes up and proves you wrong. Your highs are really high and your lows are really low. This game teaches you to never be satisfied, but to always celebrate small victories. Mentally, the game shows us how important our mindset is and how powerful our thoughts are.
Taylor Nichols
Q: What have you been up to since your graduation this past May?
A: I work as a youth coordinator interim.
Q: What have you learned about post-grad life in the past few months and what experiences led you to those lessons?
A: I've learned that I am passionate about working with the youth. Making an impact on the lives of kids, giving lessons, working through camp, and now helping provide after-school programs have allowed me to find this passion.
Q: How did your time at Appalachian State University prepare you for your current and future plans?
A: I think App has put me in a position to do what I love, putting me one step closer to figuring out this passion.
Q: How did your time with the App State softball team help you grow as a person and a professional?
A: Softball at App has helped me grow by showing me that no matter what obstacles you may face, you should always keep pushing through. Never let the bad times make you lose sight of what you want to achieve.
Q: What advice would you give to current student-athletes about what they can expect after they walk across the stage?
A: Excitement. You have the chance to do whatever you want in this world and it's an exciting feeling. If you have the drive and passion, you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from being on the App State softball team?
A: My favorite memories at App are the friends I met along the way.
Q: Would you say that being a part of the App State softball program prepared you for life after college and athletics? How so?
A: Being an athlete will help anyone in the future because athletes have to go through a lot. Juggling school, sports and social life better prepares you for all of the challenges that you might face in the real world.
