Oct. 23, 2012

BERKELEY - With fall ball complete, CalBears.com is getting its softball fix by chatting with the newest Golden Bears. Khala Taylor is an outfielder hailing from Temecula, Calif. A gifted speedster, she was the 2012 Southwestern League Champion in 200 meters, 400 meters and anchored the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, both of which were also Southwestern League Championship winners. With the Corona Angels, she won the 18U and 16U Champions Cup. A professionally instructed singer, Khala has been singing since she was three-years-old.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?

Khala Taylor: I chose Cal because of the coaches and because of the exuberant image of the softball program. The coaching staff here is absolutely amazing. I was immediately drawn into their team philosophy when I met them for the first time. Their vision and goals for the Cal softball program is something that I believe in.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?

KT: Honesty

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?

KT: Singing, running, eating, dance and shopping

CalBears.com: Do you have any unique stories about yourself that set you apart from your teammates?

KT: Apart from softball, I was also a well-known track athlete. I was the CIF Champion in Division I in the 400m and State Finalist in the 4 x 400 relay.

CalBears.com: What would you like to be doing in 10 years?

KT: Doing what I love in a job involving sports or involved in professional athletics

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?

KT: There is always something to do or something interesting to see wherever you go on the Cal campus. It is a great adventure, and my favorite parts of the campus are the quiet and peaceful grassy glades and the open spaces where you can unwind and rest or even study. All of the Cal Dining food stores are my favorites places to go.

KT: Best piece of advice: Never give up and impossible is nothing. Worst advice: You'll never own up to your potential, and you are not going to make it.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?

KT: The extension of learning about the game in softball through experience and knowledge of the coaches. Also being a part of the Cal softball team is proving to the coaches that every day is an opportunity for me to get in the lineup. I know that I will become a greater, stronger and faster softball player with my faith in my coaches and my team.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal Athletics? What has it been like to represent them?

KT: I started watching Cal Athletics when I was a freshman in high school. It is a blessing, privilege and an honor to be on this team because I could not ask for a better program to play for.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?

KT: My favorite part about being on Cal's campus is that if you need any help on anything, they got it for you. From class tutoring to even personal counseling, there are so many different resources that Berkeley can instantly offer you.

CalBears.com: Who are your biggest heroes?

KT: My parents

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve? KT: Being told to shut up.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?

KT: I'm planning on being pre-med and possibly integrative biology with a minor in African-American studies.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?

KT: What has been the hardest is that I am on my own and accountable for my own actions whether it is studying for a test to practicing techniques for softball. It is all on me.

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

KT: Professional singer.

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying this fall?

KT: Nutrition science.

CalBears.com: Why did you pick your number?

KT: I picked my No. 33 because when I was on a travel ball team named TNL, I was No. 33 and the colors were the same exact ones as Cal. So, instead of my typical number - which was 3 - that I grew up with, I chose No. 33 because I believe that it was fate for me to play for that travel team, because I am currently the same number and colors now at Cal and it is double of my favorite number.

CalBears.com: What are your pre-game rituals?

KT: My pre-game rituals always start with saying a prayer to God and kissing my finger and touching up to the sky, I always touch a base when running to the outfield, and my unique, noticeable ritual when I get into the batter's box is always pointed out or questioned.

CalBears.com: How did you spend your summer? What were some highlights?

KT: The majority of my summer was dedicated to travel softball with the Corona Angels and with my high school track team. Going to premier nationals and playing, striving for a national championship was one highlight to my summer, and becoming a two-time All-American at New Balance Nationals was another highlight.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?

KT: Dark chocolate

CalBears.com: What is one word that can be used to describe you? KT: Passionate.