WSSU junior Taisha Bratton was a cheerleader for two seasons in high school.  She even tried dance for one year.  However, she found her calling in softball.  "I knew I would have more opportunities in softball," said Bratton.  "Plus, I have a very strong softball IQ."

Bratton probably never considered her softball career would involve a 4,606 "flying" miles transfer from the University of Hawaii-Hilo to Winston-Salem State.  "I always knew I wanted to go to an HBCU," she said.  "They are welcoming more than others.  It's the best decision I've made.  I love it here."

A major selling point for WSSU was itsnationally acclaimed nursing program.  "I want to be an RN in an emergency room," said Bratton.  "I like having that leadership role.  I like helping people."

She said the culture and environment at UH-Hilo was more like high school, and she expected tougher competition.  "I knew there was going to be competition," Bratton said, "but I was looking forward to a better environment."

Visions of sandy beaches and tropical breezes from attending a university on one of the nation's most desired vacation spots wasn't necessarily a bonus for a college student.  "I didn't even get to see the beach my second semester there," lamented Bratton.

The Rams catcher and shortstop said she is very family oriented, a trait that fits perfectly with being a part of the Ramily.  "I am the oldest of 23 cousins," she noted. "I come from a culture where we are all doing something we love."

Bratton said she likes the responsibility that comes with catching.  "I have to trust my decisions on the field," she said. "I have to have the voice of a leader.  My teammates trust me, and I have to involve them in the game."

Conversing with the umpires is also critical.  "I talk to my umpires," she said.  "You have to know their demeanor from the start."

Catching can take its toll on the body.  "Catching now is more like a job," explained Bratton.  "My knees and hips bother me a lotevery day.  My teammates still keep me excited to come every day just to see them."

Bratton described her keys to success.  "I have to relax and trust my abilities," she said.  "I have to know what's going on at that time.  I tell myself to go up, see the ball and hit up.

"I always try to one-up the pitcher," Bratton continued.  "I'm aggressive at the plate when it comes to that.  I love competition."

Bratton did suffer an unfortunate injury at the start of the season.  "My shoulder popped out of place in the (CIAA) Roundup on the second day," she recalled. "It also did that my senior year in high school.  I was back hitting in two weeks, but it took three for throwing."

Time management is a must for any student-athlete.  "I set up my planner every Sunday," she said. "If it's not marked, I don't go to sleep."

Bratton usually bats third for fourth in the Rams lineup.  Although she said she's a power hitter, Bratton considers defense to be her biggest strength.  "Hitting is 80% mental," she said.  "I'm still working on it.  It keeps me on my toes."

She attributes the support with which she is surrounded for keeping her career going.  "I think my journey has continued so long because of the support I have," Bratton said.  "The support and the culture of walking around campus it's like home.  The teachers' support, I didn't have that at my last school.  I've grown with so many people here.  It continues to drive me to play the sport I do and pursue my career at the same time.  The journey has been hard butlook where it's got me."

She plans to remain involved in softball after graduating.  "I have friends and cousins who are just starting softball," Bratton said.  "I want to help them.  I don't ever plan to step away."