Troy’s Taylor McKinney named the No. 10 second baseman in the D1Softball Player Position Rankings

D1Softball.com revealed its preseason position player rankings, recognizing senior Taylor McKinney as the No. 10 second baseman.

“I love this recognition for Taylor,” head coach Eric Newell said. “She really is one of the country’s top players and very deserving of this honor. She truly is a 5-tool player. We are looking forward to the upcoming season and will rely heavily on her leadership, experience and versatility throughout the spring.”

McKinney enters her senior season fresh off an All-Sun Belt Second Team and NFCA All-Region First Team nod. She ranked in the top five for Troy with a .343 batting average (second), .550 slugging percentage (third) and .444 on-base percentage (second), ending the season with 48 hits, 37 runs, 28 RBIs, 25 walks and two HBPs.

The Montgomery native also hammered six homers, including walk-offs against South Alabama and Southern Miss. She had the second-most multi-hits games for Troy (16) with 15 at 2-plus and a three-hit game against Auburn. She demonstrated consistency from March 9 to March 19 with an eight-game hitting streak totaling 14.

Her defensive abilities were on full display in her 175 chances. McKinney dished out 105 putouts, 61 assists and three double plays for a .949 fielding percentage in 47 second-base starts.

McKinney opens her senior season against Tennessee State on Feb. 6 at the Troy Softball Complex.