The Power Of Family

By Emily Iannaconi

Most kids growing up in New York City want to wear number two for Derek Jeter or number 13 for Alex Rodriguez. But sophomore softball player Taylor Moss (Howard Beach, N.Y.) chose number 74 because that was the number of her dad’s firefighting engine company on Sept. 11, 2001, the day that the twin towers fell.

“I wanted to pick my hero for my number, so I picked where my dad worked,” said Moss. “My number has always been special to me. Your number is supposed to mean something and mine really does.”

Moss’ father, Steven, was injured during the terrorist attack to the twin towers on Sept. 11. As a result of his bravery and sacrifice on Sept. 11, Moss is the recipient of two scholarships from firefighter foundations: The National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation (NLEAFCF), and Families of Freedom.

The NLEAFCF awarded Moss a scholarship in recognition of her exceptional leadership, community service and scholastic achievement. Through grants, college scholarships and family-friendly events, the NLEAFCF serves the needs of children across the country regardless of how long ago or how recent their loss. The Foundation’s long-term commitment is a promise to the people who defend and protect us; a major investment in our nation’s future and in tomorrow’s heroes.

The purpose of the fund for Families of Freedom is to provide education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of those people killed or permanently disabled as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and during the rescue activities relating to those attacks.

“The scholarships definitely mean a lot to me because they opened up a lot of doors that allowed me to go away to school,” said Moss. “Sept. 11 is something that has been a part of my life, coming from New York and coming from the family I come from. My dad really earned it, but it’s nice that there are people out there willing to help.”

Moss’ dad has also helped her with softball over the years as both her biggest fan and first coach when Moss began playing in kindergarten. She admits that her dad was harder on her though than on some of her other teammates.

“One time I told him that I wanted to play first base. And he said, ‘No, your teammate’s a better catcher than you - she’s going to play first.’ I was eight years old and he still said no and that I had to earn it.”

Moss got used to sharing her father’s attention as both her younger brother and older sister play baseball and softball. The family spent their summers traveling to games, seeing a hitting coach together as well as attending some New York Yankees games.

“We were very big Derek Jeter fans,” said Moss. “My dad always used Jeter as a role model for us, because he always led by example, worked hard and did not draw attention to himself.”

It was a little easier for Moss’ family when she and her sister were on the same softball team for two years in high school. Together, and with the support of their parents, Moss and her sister won a state championship together, which was also the first state championship that her high school had ever won. “She was also a first baseman so I had to play the outfield because she was better, but it was still a lot fun,” said Moss.

In her first year as a Crusader, Moss started 28 games and tallied a .387 batting average, which is ranked third in single-season Holy Cross history. She was also named first team All-Patriot League.

Moss then carried the momentum from her impressive freshman year into the summer as she got the opportunity to play for the Stratford Brakettes, one of the most successful amateur softball franchises in the world. The team was founded in 1947 and has since produced some of the best softball players in the game, including 12 Olympians. Over time, the Brakettes have played just over 4,000 games, recorded 3,712 victories and won three World Championships.

“It was an awesome experience,” said Moss. “The girls on my team were from all over the country and it was incredible to play international teams. It was like being fake-famous for a little bit.”

As Moss has improved and progressed in softball, she knows that she has her family to thank for their support and help. “My siblings always push me to get better and my parents believe in me and are always looking to help,” said Moss. “My parents make an effort to come to everything and they’ve provided me with a lot of opportunities.”

Though Moss’ dad is no longer her coach, he does his best to never miss a moment of Moss’ time on the field, particularly her first game in Louisiana against McNeese State, which is also one of Moss’ favorite memories during her first two years as a student-athlete at Holy Cross.

“That was my favorite game because Jenny Finch was there as the volunteer assistant coach for the other team,” said Moss. “So not only are you playing your first college game and your team’s together for the first time, but Jenny Finch is there - the person you grew up worshipping. She saw my first college hit.”

Moss is excited to create many more memories and embrace different opportunities in the rest of her time here at Holy Cross. And she has no doubt that her family will support her every step of the way both on and off the softball field.

The Holy Cross softball team will start the home season on Thursday, March 31 with a doubleheader versus Central Connecticut at 2:35 p.m.

Stay up to date with the Holy Cross softball team by following them @HCrossSoftball and on Facebook.You can also sign up for email alerts to receive all breaking news and information by clicking here.