Taylor Palmer, a dynamic presence both in the circle and at the plate, is ready to start a new chapter in her athletic and academic journey at Newman University this fall. After a successful two-year run at Labette Community College (LCC), Palmer is taking her talents — and her ambitions — to the NCAA Division II level.
For Palmer, the decision to transfer to Newman was rooted in more than just softball.
“At first, the nursing program stood out the most to me,” she shared. “They have a very successful program, and I’m super excited about that. They provide a lot of hands-on clinical learning in all different types of healthcare settings.”
Palmer, who was accepted into Newman’s nursing program for the upcoming fall semester, will balance rigorous academics with a commitment to the Jets’ softball program — a team she’s optimistic about joining at a transformative time.
“The program is at a pivotal moment right now as they just hired a new coach who plans to bring a different culture and start building a stronger foundation,” she said. “The new coach pitched in college, which makes me very ex-cited for the program and for myself, as I will get the chance to learn from her.”
Palmer confirmed she will continue pitching at Newman, her primary position, but emphasized her willingness to contribute wherever needed. “I’m always open to playing wherever I’m needed. I was recruited to pitch, so I believe that’s where I’ll be most needed. I’m also hoping to hit, since I got to do that during both my freshman and sophomore years at Labette.” She’ll also be reuniting with two former LCC teammates at Newman — a bonus that made the move even more special. “I was super excited to learn I’ll be playing with two of my teammates from LCC. We’ve always been really close.” Looking back on her time at Labette, Palmer described it as a chapter she’ll cherish forever. “My favorite thing about LCC is the people I met during my short time there. I met my best friends and so many genuine people. We were all bonded like no other team I’ve ever been on. We loved each other like sisters,” she continued.
One memory in particular stands out: “Probably our last week there, when we all went to the lake. We just swam, kayaked, and enjoyed each other’s company — no pressure, no stress, just being together. That day, we just enjoyed the time we had left all together in the same town without any academic and athletic pressure or worries.
Palmer leaves LCC with several honors to her name, including the Top 20 Cardinal Award and recognition as a 2nd Team Academic All-American and KJCCC honoree in both years.
She is the daughter of Matthew and Janel Palmer of Eureka and the granddaughter of Larry and Jane Palmer, and Leland and the late Carol Wagner — all of whom reside in Emporia. (Courtesy photo)_
Taylor Palmer Pitching For LCC
