The Comet women's basketball seniors will be participating in a "My Story" series throughout the 2019-20 season. This will give each of the seniors an opportunity to give a firsthand account of their experiences while attending Mayville State and playing basketball at the collegiate level. The first senior to share her story is Taylor Skjordal. Taylor, a Grafton, N.D. native, is pursuing her degree in biology with minors in coaching, chemistry and psychology. 


   Taylor Skjordal
      Senior | Guard

Many people go to college looking for this ultimate adventure and feeling that is pretty much shown in movies all the time - freedom. What could be better? Of course, one thing comes to mind and that is getting to continue to play the sport you have loved since you were 5 years old.

One thing stuck to me on my visit to Mayville State, but I didn't realize it until time has gone on. I heard Coach Hutter say, "I want my players to have the ultimate college basketball experience when they come here." Well, luckily for anyone who does come into this basketball program, you get just that, as cliché as it may sound.

Over the last few years, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone. I came to Mayville as a very shy person, only talking when spoken to. I would say a lot of it had to do with just not generally being confident, and I was just flat out nervous around new people. Luckily for me, the people I was surrounded by encouraged and pushed me to do new things. I ate with recruits, spoke at camps and clinics, and have lead team activities- all that involve talking in front of other people. It wasn't something that came easy, but it has changed my shy, quiet self into a more easy-going, sometimes never stop talking person. Along with that, my absolute best has been demanded. More. Give more, when you're tired. It may be super uncomfortable, but in the end it has been extremely worth it.

Two words are emphasized in this program: effort and attitude. I know, two words that seem so small and obvious when it comes to athletics, yet their meaning has honestly changed who I am. In high school, my coach always wanted us to work hard and have fun while doing it, but here, it's taken to another level - and not only on the basketball court. Effort and attitude is emphasized here as something one has complete control of. No matter what you are doing and where you are doing it, you should always give your best effort, otherwise why do it? Putting forth your best effort is something that can be done, and even if you come up short, that is something you can hang your hat on. Along with giving your best, you should have a good attitude while doing it. You don't have to like what you're doing, but how much worse does something become if you look at it negatively? This has something that has been taken to heart, as I am very hard on myself and used to easily shut down when things weren't how I wanted them. It is something I carry with me everywhere I go, always being sure that I am doing something to the best of my ability and spreading some joy while I do it.

The memories that have been made here are also something I will carry with me everywhere I go. I may be biased, but I have been lucky enough to spend time and grow with some of the best women I know, I'm talking straight-up, beautiful, talented, smart, and hard-working women. An example would be that I got to build a friendship with someone who comes around and makes you a better you, even if it's not wanted. She demanded hard work with a work ethic that was one to none. Which, for us other girls was something we got to take in and develop as we have become upperclassmen. These people literally bring out the best in me, both while encouraging me and holding me accountable. I can't tell you a day where I am with them and not laughing or smiling.

To say my experience here has been anything but amazing would be a complete understatement. I have been lucky enough to experience a large amount of growth as a person, find my forever friends, learn life lessons, and pursue my degree, all the while of playing the sport I love and winning a couple of games.

-Taylor Skjordal – Sr. – Grafton, ND