Editor’s Note: Four Preston High School seniors signed Letters of Intent to continue playing sports following their graduation: Taylan Starr, Josie Cope, Kaden Dean and Hunter McElhannon. Part 1 features the two female softball players.

-Two of Preston High School’s most accomplished and hardest- working student-athletes reached a milestone that will be remembered for years to come. Seniors Taylan Starr and Josie Cope, leaders of the storied Preston softball program, officially signed their letters of intent to continue their careers at the collegiate level – Taylan with the University of Tulsa and Josie with Carl Albert State College.

Their paths to this moment are marked by years of dedication, state tournament appearances, academic accomplishments and personal growth. But more importantly, their journeys reflect the story of Preston softball itself: a program built on work ethic, resilience, family, and the belief that small-town athletes can compete with anyone in the state.

What makes their story even more compelling is that they have experienced nearly every high and low together – on the dirt, in the dugout, on long bus rides home and in the classroom. Both standouts, both leaders, both relentless competitors and both ready for the next chapter.

Though their backgrounds are different, both young women have deep roots in Okmulgee County schools.

Taylan transferred to Preston from Morris in third grade and has worn the black-and-gold ever since. When asked how she has enjoyed her years at Preston, she smiled and simply said she likes being here – one of many signs of how naturally she fits into the Pirate family.

Josie entered Preston in eighth grade after attending Twin Hills. She adjusted quickly, made lifelong friendships and embraced the culture that has helped make Preston softball one of the strongest small-school programs in Oklahoma.

Their bond and their shared journey show what can happen when talented athletes step into the right environment at the right time.

— A Program Built on Championship Expectations Between fast pitch, slow pitch, and basketball, these two athletes have helped lead Preston to six state tournament appearances – and seven if basketball is included.

“That’s counting both, you know,” Josie said with a grin before the pair corrected themselves and confirmed the number again. “If we count basketball, it’d be seven.”

Few athletes anywhere can claim that level of consistent postseason success, especially across multiple sports. It’s even more remarkable considering how physically demanding and mentally draining year-round softball can be.

For both athletes, their earliest standout memories revolve around state tournament runs.

Josie reflected on one of her favorite moments of her career: “One of mine was the bus ride home after freshman year of state slow pitch. First time we made it to state as our group.”

Memories like that are what make small-school athletics magical.

Taylan highlighted another moment – this year’s deep playoff push.

“Making it to the second round this year.” — College dreams become reality Starr chooses the University of Tulsa

For Taylan, signing with TU is the fulfillment of a dream she has been working toward for years.

When asked how she felt about joining the Golden Hurricane, her answer came instantly: “Excited.” Taylan plans to major in nursing. When asked if she hoped to play professionally someday, she answered with a laugh: “Oh, no.”

But her future at TU is promising. A pitcher and outfielder in slow pitch and a pitcher/second baseman in fast pitch, she brings versatility that will serve her well at the collegiate level.

She also credits Coach Jimmy Hurst for helping her reach this stage: “He’s always had, like, a lot of confidence in me.” — Cope signs with Carl Albert State College Josie’s path will take her to Carl Albert State College, where she plans to pursue the physical therapy assisting program – and possibly accounting as well.

“If I play more softball from there, that’s great, but if I don’t, then I’ll just go to more physical therapy school.”

Her resilience shows in her outlook: “Just don’t let one thing somebody said discourage you … because I could have on multiple games, but I didn’t.”

— Advice for Future Pirates

Taylan offered simple but powerful wisdom: “Not [to] find it short lived.” – In essence, make the most of your time in high school, enjoy it, and never let defeat shape your view of the future.

Josie echoed her with encouragement of her own: “Just don’t let one thing someone said discourage you.”

— Family Support That Made It Possible

Taylan’s younger siblings look up to her, and she believes they’re following her lead: “They like to play.”

Josie, laughing, spoke about her brothers: “Weston’s probably gonna outdo me … but Waylon, he’s super smart.”

— Honors & Accomplishments

Taylan earned conference MVP both junior and senior years.

Josie has been recognized with multiple all-conference and all-district honors.

Both have excelled academically – Josie as NHS president and academic team standout, and Taylan also an NHS member.

Josie proudly added: “We just won our regional tournament.” — Coaches & Staff Who Shaped Their Journey Josie said: “Definitely Coach Hurst … he’s a good coach.” She also praised Mr. and Mrs. McCullough: “Every time I need something, I go into their office … they always provide.”

Taylan echoed praise for Coach Hurst: “He’s always had, like, a lot of confidence in me.” — The Legacy They Leave

Future Preston softball players will look up to Taylan Starr and Josie Cope for their work ethic, laughter, resilience, and the championship expectations they helped build.

Their Pirate legacy is already cemented.