LSU graduate student Taylor Pleasants turned a double-play Saturday to clinch the Tigers’ 24th consecutive win of the season with a 3-0 decision over Ole Miss in the opening weekend of SEC play.
The No. 2 LSU Tigers (24-0) are anchored by their 6-foot All-SEC shortstop, who is a four-year starter from Frank Dobie High School in Greater Houston. She is one of four Houstonians on the Tigers’ roster in 2024, joined by Danieca Coffey (Angleton), Emma Strood (Clear Springs) and Maddie McKee (Lake Creek).
“LSU and Baton Rouge are very similar to Houston, like the weather and the people,” Pleasants said. “It’s the people that really are the biggest difference. They make you feel like one of theirs and that this is ‘your’ home. The food is incredible also.”
LSU Sports Information
Taylor Pleasants
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LSU Sports Information
Maddie McKee
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Taylor doesn’t have any intention leaving any time soon.
“I’m staying next year to finish my Masters degree and be a graduate assistant here,” she said. “Honestly, I hate being a senior… I’d rather be a freshman. Who would want to leave this place? You have so much support here and it’s really fun.
“I love coaching. This is what I’m going to do in the future. I want to specialize on defense… It’s the best part of the game.”
While Pleasants is wrapping up her playing career at LSU with hopes of being drafted in the Athletes Unlimited or play for USA Softball this summer, freshman Maddie McKee is just beginning her journey after winning back-to-back State Championships at Lake Creek.
“We are an older team with girls who have transferred in and who were already here,” he said. “They have a lot of experience and that is a big reason why we are so good… that senior leadership. The transition has been a little weird, but I’ve always wanted to earn what I got. I’m just starting over here. Next year, we are going to be young and I’ll be fighting to be a starter.
“The transition to college is bigger than I thought. It’s more about time management, being away from home and recreating yourself. But, the great thing about LSU is that it’s only a four-hour drive from home, so my parents can come see me play every weekend.”
With an NIL deal already signed with the Gordan McKernan Law Firm, McKee is projected to be an important piece of LSU softball’s future.
“At LSU, everyone has your back,” she said. “Our fans are incredible along with the coaches and facilities.”McKee, who played shortstop in high school, has been used as a utility player this season and has started at third base a few games.
Playing behind an All-SEC shortstop means limited playing time, but next year Pleasants could be passing the baton to McKee as the quarterback of the defense. Pleasants will be influential her development.
“This is my Mom, at LSU,” McKee said of Pleasants.
“My advice? Don’t be afraid to be different,” Pleasants said. “Stick with who you are.”
Three more Houstonians have signed or committed to LSU in the next two years, and Georgia Clark (Stratford), who led the Tigers in home runs in 2023, and Shelbi Sunseri (Santa Fe), the No. 3 all-time LSU leader in home runs, graduated in 2022.
It doesn't hurt that coach Beth Torino was also an assistant coach at the University of Houston from 2003-07 and is familiar with the area's talent.
So, who is next?
Braelyn Daniels of Ridge Point and Kaylee Schweitzer of Pearland will head to Baton Rouge this summer, while Katy pitcher Lauryn Soeken is just a junior.
“Houston is completely loaded with talent,” Pleasants said. “Being around all that talent just gets you ready for the college game.”
The game right now is LSU for some of the Bayou City’s finest.