Taylor Roby, a senior outfielder/pitcher from the University of Louisville’s softball team, has been recognized for her outstanding performance by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, being named on the second team of the All-America lineup. The organization announced the teams during its yearly press conference held at the Women’s College World Series. The recognition makes Roby the second Louisville softball player in as many years to make the All-America ranking after Carmyn Greenwood made the third team in 2022.
Roby is one of 55 selected student-athletes from 33 different institutions that made the 2023 NFCA Division I All-America teams. During her final season with the squad, the Mt. Washington, Ky. Native registered a .360 batting average and led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a school record-breaking 23 home runs, tied for second in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in that category. She also produced a career and league-best 57 RBIs and led the team with an .835 slugging percentage and 33 walks. Along with her single season home run record, Roby also owns UofL’s overall mark at 63 and stands third on the ACC’s list for career home runs and seventh on the NCAA active career leaders list.
In addition to her exceptional offensive skills, Roby is also a two-way player, leading the team with a 2.47 ERA and 10 wins in the circle. She has finished her career with impressive records among Louisville’s career pitching leaders in appearances, starts, strikeouts, wins, innings pitched, and saves. She also stands second for career RBIs and walks and third in career total bases.
The recognition is a fitting conclusion to Roby’s impressive college career, having been named thrice to the NFCA All-Southeast Region and All-ACC team. The University of Louisville softball team finished the season with a 36-20 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, which connotes the Cardinals’ 15th NCAA tournament appearance. The team also finished fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference after posting a 16-7 mark in league play.
UofL head coach Holly Aprile has praised Roby for her excellent performance, stating that Roby has been an integral part of Louisville softball for the last five years. She further stated that while Roby’s accomplishments on the field have been prolific, her love for the game and commitment to the program, University of Louisville, and the community will always be remembered.
