Cobden’s Taylor Orsburn signs to play softball at SIUC

Cobden’s High School’s Taylor Orsburn signed a national letter of intent last Friday afternoon to play softball at Southern Illinois University Carbondale next season.

A signing ceremony was held in the Cobden High School gymnasium.

Orsburn was joined by her parents and coaches for the special event.

The Cobden standout said she was looking forward to becoming a Saluki after wrapping up her high school career. Orsburn said she plans to study special education or sports medicine at SIUC.

“I’m really proud of her. She’s a good kid who works hard every day,” Cobden head softball coach Nathan Emrick said.

Emrick it will be good to have Orsburn playing so close to home. By playing at SIUC, local fans will continue to watch her compete.

Orsburn, a senior, has been a member of two Cobden Class 1A state championship teams. The team finished 48-5 overall last season.

Orsburn had a .505 batting average last season. She had 33 RBIs, 5 triples, 16 doubles, 50 hits and scored 31 runs.

She has a 17-1 pitching record with a save; however, Emrick said she was recruited by SIUC as an infielder. She expects to play at first or third base.

“I definitely think she can contribute at SIU,” Emrick said. “She can definitely play at the next level.”

Orsburn is also a member of the Cobden girls’ basketball team.