SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara softball head coach Lisa Mize has signed six student-athletes to NLIs for the 2016 season. Taylor Burns, a first baseman and utility from Agoura Hills, Calif., attended Oak Christian High School.

"I chose Santa Clara because it is everything that I want in a school," said Burns. "When I began my recruiting process, I knew that I wanted to go to a school that had an exceptional Business program with an exceptional softball program as well. After looking around at other schools in the WCC, I came across Santa Clara, and after one visit to the school I fell in love. I come from a private Christian High School in Southern California, so the smaller class sizes of Santa Clara along with the spiritual influence really appealed to me. From the team, to the coaches, to the school, I couldn't think of a better fit for me than Santa Clara."

"Taylor is an exciting addition to our program," said Mize. "She excels both in the classroom and on the softball field. Taylor comes from a historically strong travel program and has the ability to play multiple positions and brings a big bat offensively."

As a junior Burns racked up the awards. She was named Oaks Christian Offensive Player of the Year, Washington Union Invitaional All-Tournament, First Team All-Marmonte, First Team All-Ventura County, Second Team All-Area, First Team All-CIF Division 2, Second Team All-State Underclassman, and First Team All-American NCSAA. That season she hit 4.11 with a .472 on-base percentage and blasted six home runs. Her team went 25-7 overall and 7-2 in league while advancing to the CIF quarterfinals.

As a sophomore Burns was named First Team All-Tri-Valley as her team went 29-4 and 12-0 in league. They advanced again to the CIF quarterfinals.

As a freshman she was named Second Team All-Tri-Valley and her team went 25-8 and 9-3 in league. That season they advanced to the CIF semifinals.

Burns is a member of the For the Troops club and Fellowship for Christian Athletes. She has logged over 200 hours of community service with the National Charity League.

Burns was also on the honor roll in ninth and 11th grade and a member of the Dean's list in 10th grade.

Off the field she enjoys watching college football and going to concerts.