As Taylor Tinsley gears up to pitch in what is possibly the UCLA softball team’s most critical game, her parents have established their own routine to support her.
They fly from Atlanta to Los Angeles on Delta, work remotely from a spot near campus, and settle in their usual seats behind home plate at Easton Stadium.
This has become the standard procedure for Keith and Dennis Tinsley every time Taylor takes the mound from home, which is quite a distance away in suburban Atlanta.
“We may end up broke and maxing out our credit cards, but it’s worth it,” Taylor’s father, Keith, remarked, laughing.
Her journey has certainly been substantial.
Essentially, Taylor has taken charge of the Bruins’ pitching rotation. She has started every postseason game, logging nearly 68 innings out of the last 76 pitched by the team. The senior right-hander stands on the brink of becoming UCLA’s first pitcher since Allie Carda in 2015 to start all games during the NCAA Tournament leading to the Women’s College World Series.
The Tinsleys watch in awe as Taylor handles the mound almost entirely on her own.
“As a parent, it’s thrilling to witness, but I can’t help but pray her arm holds up,” Keith joked.
Taylor’s Upcoming Start
This Friday night, Taylor is set to start at Easton Stadium as the No. 8 seed Bruins face off against Central Florida. There’s a strong chance she’ll also pitch in Game 2, and fingers crossed for a Game 3 appearance.
Given her intense recovery regimen—think cold baths, massages, and stretching—it often limits the Tinsleys’ time with her during these quick cross-country trips. They might grab breakfast or coffee together, or perhaps an In-N-Out run.
UCLA’s manager, Kelly Inouye-Perez, described Tinsley as someone who “will go down in history as one of my most impactful pitchers.” This reflects the depth of Taylor’s influence on the team, especially following her pivotal role in their recent regional rounds.
Last week, when asked about Tinsley’s contributions, there was a noticeable pause from Coach Inouye-Perez. Tinsley, sitting beside her, leaned in for support, with a reassuring touch before sharing a handshake.
Breaking the quiet, teammate Megan Grant chimed in, “We all know what she does for us. She gives everything to this team.”
Following moments of emotion, Coach Inouye-Perez wiped away tears, expressing, “She fights hard; she’s incredible. She’ll always be one of my most significant pitchers. I care for her deeply.”
This season has challenged Tinsley, especially after losing fellow pitchers Caitlin Terry and Addisen Fisher early on. Although other team members have stepped in, none have filled the role of a dependable second pitcher.
Yet, there is some encouragement. Sophomore Bryn Nalley delivered a solid relief outing last week, while Tinsley continues to shine with a record of 30 wins and a 3.03 ERA, marked by 22 complete games.
Tinsley doesn’t rely solely on speed; she incorporates a variety of pitches to ease the strain on her arm. Moreover, her year-round routine of running, yoga, and Pilates keeps her in what Coach Inouye-Perez describes as the best shape of her life.
The sport was initially a surprise to her father, who casually played softball. Keith recounted how he came home one night, muddy and battered from a game, only to discover that Taylor was signed for a softball contract. “I thought, ‘No way, she’s just four!’ But my wife insisted, and, well, here we are.”
Keith began coaching Taylor, guiding her until her skills surpassed his own. Inspired by UCLA’s storied softball legacy, Taylor dreamt of becoming a Bruin, even when it felt out of reach from her small high school.
Coach Inouye-Perez recognized that potential, reaching out for conversations that sometimes strayed from softball. “It’s like having a family connection, almost a mother-daughter bond,” said Tinsley. “It’s crucial to have a coach who truly cares about my well-being, on and off the field.”
Support is always within reach for Tinsley; just a glance at the stands behind home plate confirms that.
