Catching up with Taylor Thom

When she graduated from The University of Texas, Taylor Thom had cemented her legacy of being one of the best softball players in program and Big 12 Conference history.

Over the span of her time in Austin, Thom won multiple awards and was selected to many postseason teams. The shortstop was named the Big 12 Player of the Year this past season, joining Amy Hooks as one of two Longhorns to ever win the honor. Thom was named All-American in 2013, made three All-Big 12 first teams (2011, 2013, 2014) and was awarded Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2011.

The Cedar Park, Texas native left the Texas softball program as the all-time career RBIs leader (178) and second on the career home run list (38). She also ranks third all-time in hits (243) and stolen bases (65). During a prolific 2013 campaign, Thom set the single-season RBI (66) while helping the Longhorns to the Women's College World Series.

This past season, Thom helped lead Texas back to the NCAA Tournament. She placed second on the team in batting average (.373), RBIs (43), and home runs (10). The four-year starter led the team in runs with 55.

TexasSports.com recently caught up with Thom to see what she was doing after graduation.

On what she has been doing: It's been my first summer off, so I've been enjoying that. I've been going to the pool a lot and just been hanging out. I've also been coaching for the select team I used to play for, the Texas Blaze.

On coaching: I wanted to play this summer, but that wasn't an option. Ultimately, I wanted to do something that would allow me to give back to the sport.

On coaching vs. playing: When we were having clinics at Texas earlier this summer, I told the coaches that if I had coached before I played, I would have been a much better player. You just look at it a totally different way. It's almost exhausting. As a player, you have so much knowledge of the game, but [as a coach], you have to break it down so people understand it as much as you do. It's totally different.

On staying in contact with teammates: Karina Scott and I hang out all the time. I talk to Mandy Ogle a lot, and also Gabby Smith, Devon Tunning and Lindsey Stephens. We'll run into each other and talk. So, quite a few of them actually.

On following Mandy Ogle and Brejae Washington's professional seasons: They are both doing great and I'm so excited for them. I really hope they continue to do great.

On what the future holds: I actually don't want to coach. I'm actually trying to get into pharmaceutical sales and that's what I want to pursue in the future. Hopefully one day I can go back and play. Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me this summer, but I

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