Many young people have trouble deciding which sport they want to focus on, but for Taylor Dadig the decision was easy.
Dadig’s softball career started at age 6. Although she also played basketball for a while, “I’ve always liked softball more than basketball,” Dadig said.
Dadig’s dad, Steve Dadig, was one of the biggest influences in keeping her with the sport, since he coached most of her teams when she was young.
“My dad kept me committed to the sport,” Dadig said. “He would always drive me to practices and games.”
Dadig has gone many places and has made many friends over the years, but there’s also something else that keeps her coming back every year.
“I like being part of a team and especially having this leader role I have playing here,” Dadig said.
Head Coach Vince Sortino said Dadig excels as a leader.
“She is an extremely hard worker, very focused, a great teammate, and has a great attitude,” Sortino said. “Taylor is very consistent throughout the season and is always prepared to play.”
Teammate Bella Rossa, a senior, agreed.
“She always steps up when we need her,” Rossa said.
Rossa cited a game last year against Peters Township.
“It was the bottom of the fifth and Taylor was up to bat. She hit a ground ball that got through and loaded the bases, allowing the next batter to bring in two runs,” Rossa said.
That gave Baldwin a 2-0 lead and helped them earn a 2-1 win in a crucial section game.
This year, the girls are looking to become section champs for the fourth season in a row. To do that, they are going to have to beat other top teams like Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon.
Dadig, meanwhile, has made her four years here at Baldwin really count. She is a three-time section champion and recently won the KDKA Extra Effort Award, which recognized her excellent work in school and on the softball field.
In the fall she committed to George Mason to play Division I softball and be part of its honors program.
“She is one of the best athletes to coach,” Sortino said.