All Taylor Pannell ever wanted to do was play in the Women’s College World Series. Growing up in Illinois, her family would make the trip to Oklahoma City and let her watch her idols play on the field. She sat in the stands dreaming of one day following in their footsteps.
Pannell’s first opportunity to participate in the event with the University of Tennessee was bittersweet. Pannell was injured as a freshman in 2023 and wasn’t able to play in any games. Although she traveled to OKC with the team, Pannell could only watch from the dugout and be a supporter.
“It really broke her heart not being able to play the first go around. That’s all she wanted her whole life,” says Pannell’s father, Brandon. “It was a heartbreaker, because you just don’t know if you’re ever going to get back.”
Pannell earned a second chance this season, and she made the most of the opportunity. The redshirt sophomore helped the No. 7 Lady Vols (47-17) reach the WCWS semifinals before they suffered a 2-0 loss to No. 6 Texas that eliminated them from the event.
Pannell batted .571 (8 for 14) with five runs scored and three RBIs in four games in Oklahoma City. She finished the season batting a team-leading .398 with 16 home runs, and team highs of 13 doubles and 65 RBIs.
Although disappointed at not reaching the final game, Pannell has better memories from this year’s trip than when the Lady Vols went two years ago.
“I think it was a cool experience to be on the team and be part of it. Not everyone can say they’ve been to the World Series,” Pannell says. “But being able to play this year, I think it’s huge. I feel like I’m living out my dream this year.”
Working through the slump
Pannell was UT’s most consistent hitter all season, but fell into a Mini slump during the start of the NCAA tournament, going 2 for 17 in regional and super regional play. Pannell admitted she was pressing a bit with the prospect of a WCWS berth on the horizon.
“When I was going a little down, I was like, ‘I’m saving it.’ So I feel just really good,” Pannell says. “And there’s really no pressure here (in OKC). I’m just trying to have fun. I think that’s why I’m just letting loose, and the results are coming because I’m just not really trying as hard.”
Despite not being able to play in the WCWS in 2023, Pannell was able to be in the stadium and absorb the environment. She participated in every meeting and viewed every game from a different vantage point.
“I think when you’re injured it gives you a new perspective,” UT head coach Karen Weekly says. “When you can sit back and watch the game, I think you appreciate the game a little bit more and you see things that you never are able to see when you’re playing. So I think she’s benefited from that.”
Living the dream
Weekly wasn’t surprised to see Pannell come through in the clutch in OKC. During UT’s 5-4 walk-off win over UCLA in nine innings that helped the Lady Vols avoid elimination, Pannell hit a home run and just missed hitting two more.
“Taylor is a phenomenal hitter. She’s just a pro when it comes to hitting. She loves hitting. You can see the confidence in her when she goes up to bat,” Weekly says. “And like she said, I just decided to quit putting so much pressure on myself to get something done. And when you play free, your true talents can shine, and that’s what’s happening with her.”
Pannell’s family could see the difference in their daughter over the last 10 days. The joy was evident every time she spoke with them and it translated onto the field. She was exactly where she always wanted to be, and was healthy enough this time to enjoy every moment.
“She’s on cloud nine,” her father says. “She’s living the dream. She said multiple times, just being able to play on the field has been amazing. She’s enjoying the moment.”