Junior catcher Jessie Taylor of Bryant was named Female Scholar Athlete of the Year at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway in ceremonies held Tuesday night. Taylor set a new single-season record for runs batted in for the UCA softball team during the 2014 season. She is also the president of the UCA branch of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as well.
She is the daughter of Chris and Tammy Taylor of Bryant.
Taylor was a four-time all-State performer for the Bryant Lady Hornets during their run of three consecutive Class 7A State championships and was the State tourney MVP in 2012. She set State high school records in home runs and RBIs.
In 2014, Taylor hit .269 (46 of 171) for UCA. She hit a team-high 10 home runs with 13 doubles and a team-high 49 RBIs. She had a slugging percentage of .520.
Joining her on stage for the presentation were UCA Athletic Director Dr. Brad Teague and assistant A.D. Natalie Shock.
