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FIELD GENERAL: Senior Fields Tasked with Rallying Alief Taylor to Distinction
SOFTBALL HAS A WAY OF REVEALING ITS LEADERS IN THE SILENT MOMENTS — BETWEEN PITCHES, DURING MOUND VISITS, AND IN THE SPACES WHERE MOMENTUM CAN SLIP. WITHIN THE ALIEF TAYLOR PROGRAM, THAT RESPONSIBILITY OFTEN SETTLES BEHIND THE PLATE, WHERE MCKENZIE FIELDS SERVES AS BOTH ANCHOR AND VOICE.
The senior catcher enters her final spring as a cornerstone and collegiate signee, bringing a presence sculpted by accountability and years of experience. Recently signed to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, she embodies the type of leadership the Lions will lean on as they navigate a challenging district slate under new head coach Chris Maple.
Growing up as the youngest of four sisters, the path in the sport almost felt predetermined for Fields.
“Watching my older sisters play definitely had an influence on me,” Fields said. “It felt natural to follow in their footsteps — even being a catcher, just like they were. From there, I’ve just picked up a drive to play collegiately, which has pushed me to this point.”
That drive now carries added weight for a Taylor roster still searching for consistency within a demanding district. The Lions finished fifth in the standings last spring, but the arrival of Maple has injected optimism into the offseason — and Fields is positioned at the center of that transition.
Nowhere is her impact felt more than at home base, a role she embraces with both authority and accountability.
“You really have to own the field when you’re in that spot,” Fields said. “That’s your plate. That’s your defense. That’s your responsibility. Sometimes, there will just be bad games. But the loudest voice on the field still needs to come from the catcher, and that energy has to be kept up so the team doesn’t stay down.”
That mindset — vocal, resilient, and team-first — mirrors what initially drew Fields to Oakwood. When the opportunity presented itself, the decision came easily.
“I’ve always been drawn to a future in Alabama for some reason,” she said. “So once they reached out to me, I didn’t hesitate. The softball team is very close-knit and resembles a family, which is something I’m most passionate about and really look forward to.”
As her high school career approaches its final chapter, Fields’ focus remains rooted in the present. Experience has taught her that nothing is guaranteed, but belief can still move a program forward.
“The goal is to go out with a bang,” Fields said. “There’s usually plenty to strive for early on in the season, so I intend to make it count. Ideally, the team collectively finds a way to make it work and, hopefully, reach the playoffs.”
For Taylor, that pursuit begins with a catcher who understands the weight of every pitch — and the power of her voice behind it.
COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED: Alief Taylor’s Calderon Poised to Shape Program’s Turning Point
MOMENTUM AND BELIEF ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE AT ALIEF TAYLOR AS THE LIONS MOVE TOWARD A NEW SEASON — AND EVER CALDERON FIGURES TO BE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.
Contributing on both the mound and in the infield, Calderon heads into his senior season at a pivotal moment for the ball club. The Lions are still working to reestablish themselves in the district conversation, but the team has an opportunity to start piecing wins together under first-year head coach Arthur Jenkins.
The game has not always been part of Calderon’s life, but once it entered the picture, it quickly became a driving force.
“Baseball first became a passion of mine when I watched the 2017 Astros win the World Series, which made me want to start playing,” Calderon said. “I’m usually a competitive person, so my drive to be the best has kept me in that pursuit.”
That fandom still shows today, with Calderon citing Astros stars Jeremy Peña, Yordan Álvarez, and Jose Altuve among the players he has admired.
Like many young athletes, Calderon’s early years came with growing pains.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been able to trust in my ability more as the years have gone by,” Calderon said. “Going from middle school ball to high school varsity as a freshman, I was very nervous. But the more I played, I just got used to the rhythm.”
That confidence culminated in one of the defining moments of his high school career a year ago – a campaign that saw the RHP receive an all-district honorable mention.
“There have been multiple highlights in my time at Alief Taylor,” Calderon said. “But I’d have to say that my favorite one was throwing a perfect-game shutout last season against Willowridge. Moments like those don’t come often, so you have to savor it when they do.”
From a team standpoint, Calderon has a clear picture in mind as the Lions look to get a competitive streak started.
“It starts with discipline and commitment,” he said. “We have the dependable players we need to win, so this is our chance to start putting it together with a new coach.”
As for what comes next, Calderon remains focused on both his athletic and professional future.
“Hopefully, I can begin to get scouted for baseball and start to make a career out of it,” he said. “If not, the plan is to go to a trade school, get a certification in HVAC, and go right into the job field.”
But in the short term, Calderon’s attention remains on the season ahead — defined by opportunity.