Marshall’s speed spark: Makayla Taylor brings instant pressure on the bases
In the 2026 season, Makayla Taylor emerged as Marshall’s high-energy run changer, appearing in 38 games and scoring 14 runs with 9 steals in 11 attempts while working as the Herd’s lead pinch-runner.[1] Her biggest differentiator is pure speed—Marshall noted a 2.6-second home-to-first time—and that twitch factor shows up in the way she forces defenses into rushed throws and extra mistakes.[2] If a team needs a player who can ignite late innings, create chaos on the bases, and elevate the tempo without needing the ball in her hands much, Taylor fits the mold nicely.[1][2]
