Bellefontaine softball standout Tayteum Vigansky recently signed her letter of intent with Division I Eastern Kentucky University.

The hard-throwing right-hander chose EKU because it felt like home.

She said, “I liked the campus feel there. It’s not too big or too small. I really like all the academic support they offer athletes and students. The coaches were awesome, too. I got to build a relationship with them over the summer and in the recruiting process. The facilities there are great. The weight room, rec center, and classrooms are up-to-date with all the new conveniences. Everyone has been very supportive. It’s not too far from home where my family can come and watch. I am also excited for the strength of schedule the softball team plays. I want to compete and they play Big 10, ACC, and SEC schools along with the new ASUN Conference.”

The Colonels liked many aspects of Vigansky’s game.

She added, “Coach Worthington, Coach Simms, and Coach Leighton watched me all summer and liked my poise in the circle. I had a great summer pitching at the highest level which helped me get many looks from other colleges. I have a really good drop ball and changeup which batters have a hard time hitting and has made my pitching very effective. My stats were awesome this summer and my travel team had a great summer and exposure.” 

Tayteum was thrilled to sign. It’s been a goal for years.

“I am very blessed for this opportunity. It felt a little bit surreal, but I am so excited to play at the Division I level. Hard work is paying off.

“I started playing T-Ball when I was 4-years-old and my love for the game just kept growing from there. I started pitching lessons at 10 and have continued year-round since then. I have weekly lessons except over the holidays. I started realizing that college could be an option around 14-years-old. I wanted more and started to see all my progress and started attending college camps. I then started college visits and more camps and loved the atmosphere of college and the thought of playing was becoming a reality.  

“Playing travel ball in the summer has helped me improve my game along with weekly lessons from my instructor. My dad has always worked with me and caught me at lessons and lots of work in the front yard. My parents have always challenged me and my siblings to be competitive. They have graciously driven me and my siblings around the states playing high level softball all summer long. I have been so blessed and thankful for the time they spend with all of us. My travel coaches and my pitching coach push me to be uncomfortable and to be the best I can be. It has and still is a lot of work but earning an athletic scholarship has made it all worth it. I love playing against the best players in the country and challenging myself. All of my travel team had the same goals and we pushed each other and now we are all getting our offers. It's been an amazing ride so far.”

Vigansky has big goals at the next level.

“I would obviously love to help my team win a Women's College World Series. That’s my ultimate goal. Winning our league, ASUN, would be amazing also. Personal goals would be to be the best version of me I can be, continue working hard and making sure I am accountable for my team for four years. I hope to be able to see the circle as a freshman and make an impact right away. Any other personal stat is just a bonus. Getting my degree is a top priority.”

Longtime Bellefontaine softball coach Katie Buffkin reflected on the signing.

“I think Tayteum will be a great addition to Eastern Kentucky. She will bring a strong set of skills to the pitching circle for their program.

“She is committed to developing and improving her skills and brings a strong understanding of her role as a pitcher in the game environment.”

Vigansky has maintained a 3.7 grade point average at BHS.

She plans on majoring in education at Eastern Kentucky.

Tayteum has earned many honors in high school.

She was 2nd team All-CBC as a freshman and junior.

She was named Southwest District Honorable Mention last spring.

Vigansky also earned the Coaches Award as a freshman and the Defense Award as a junior.

She has 249 career strikeouts in two seasons.

There was no high school softball season her sophomore year because of COVID.

Vigansky also considered Miami, Oh and Longwood.

Tayteum is the daughter of Jeremiah and Theresa Vigansky.

Photos: Tayteum Vigansky with her letter of intent