Cushing High School varsity athlete Talyn Minney is building a reputation as a dependable teammate and steady presence behind the plate, embracing both the physical and mental demands of the game.
An incoming sophomore, Minney credits her mother as her biggest inspiration. “She has inspired me to be a great athlete, but she has also taught me to be the best person I can be,” Minney said.
Minney, who lists history as her favorite subject and Coach Landrum as her favorite teacher, brings that same focus to the field. As a catcher, she understands the importance of resilience. “The hardest thing is the mental part,” she said. “Even when you make a bad throw or let the ball get by you, you have to let it go and move on. You can’t let it snowball into more mistakes.”
That mindset reflects one of the key lessons she has taken from athletics learning to work with others and staying grateful regardless of the outcome.
Minney values the camaraderie that comes with being part of the team. “I enjoy getting to play with my friends and knowing we’re going through it together,” she said. “My team can always cheer me up when I get down and remind me they’re here for me.”
Team chemistry plays a big role in that support system. Minney said Matti serves as the most vocal teammate, while Taylor keeps spirits high with humor, regardless of the score.
On the field, Minney sticks to a simple approach at the plate. “I know my teammates have my back no matter what happens, and I just need to pass the bat down,” she said.
Off the field, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as reading and watching movies.
Minney also embraces the small details of the game, including its unwritten rules. “Always hustle on and off the field,” she said.
And when it comes to postgame cleanup, she admits with a laugh that she’s usually the one with the dirtiest uniform followed closely by Matti.
