Andolsek commits to Iona University following Coast career
COSTA MESA -- Orange Coast College softball standout Taylor Andolsek will continue her athletic and academic careers in the great state of New York after signing with Iona University last week.
Andolsek will wrap up her stellar career at OCC following the 2023 season and begin her time with the Gaels in the fall.
"The recruiting process went on for awhile," Andolsek said. "The head coach (Alyssa Tiumalu) and I kept in contact through phone calls for about three months, prior to my visit in January. I was really sold after I went on my visit in person because their athletic facilities were so sick and they treat their athletes very well there. I also connected with the coaches really well and I can tell they care about their players on a personal level, which I really value."
Through the first two games of the 2023 season, Andolsek is off to a blazing start, going 5-for-6 with six runs and one RBI. As a freshman last year, she batted .302 with 29 hits, 19 runs, four home runs and a team-best 29 RBI. In addition to her solid hitting, Andolsek is also the defensive catalyst to the Pirate middle infield, where last year, she committed only nine errors at shortstop out of 82 total chances.
"Taylor came to OCC in the summer of 2021 from the Northern California powerhouse Lady Hustle travel ball organization and she made an immediate impact on our program," OCC head coach Jodie Kiaha said. "Her game continues to refine and this season, she is continuing to progress in her leadership and making big pressure plays. I'm excited to see play at the next level for Coach Alyssa Tiumalu at Iona University, another fellow UCLA alum who I had the chance to coach during my time with the Bruins."
It's been a smooth transition for Andolsek to OCC as well and the sophomore has made great memories during her Pirates tenure. "My time here at OCC has been better than I ever expected it to be," Andolsek said. "I've met a lot of my best friends and I've learned so much from playing on the softball team here. After changing my major to communications, there hasn't been a single class that I've disliked. The teachers have been energetic and engaging which has helped me succeed so much in school."
With the 2023 season just getting underway, Andolsek looks to further leave her mark in the OCC history books by helping this young team play at the highest level possible.
"This year, we had a lot of incoming freshmen with a bunch of talent to bring to the team," Andolsek said. "We are all really good at motivating each other and helping each other get better. Coach Jodie is a huge contributor to our success since she always pushes us to grow as players and students."
