With just one game to spare, New Iberia Senior High School senior Madison Taylor accomplished a goal she set out to achieve before she ever got her first start with the team. 

“I have been dreaming of this ever since I even knew that it was a thing,” Taylor said after the game. “It makes all that hard work, blood, sweat and tears all worth it. It felt so surreal.”

On Monday afternoon, Taylor hit her 22nd home run of her career in the third inning of an impressive 15-1 win over Vermilion Catholic. According to Taylor, as soon as she made contact with the ball, she knew it was going to sail over the back wall. 

“When it came off the bat, honestly, I just knew it,” she said. “I’ve been working so hard trying to connect it all: my bottom, my top half, my loading, my hands, all of it. I’ve been nitpicking every little thing just so I could get this last one and I’m aiming to get some more tomorrow. It’s not over yet.”

The record, previously held by fellow catcher Carli Judice, is sure to stand for many years. Judice, a 2019 graduate, has made a name for herself in mixed martial arts since her time at NISH, earning a UFC contract in 2023 and her first UFC win earlier this year. 

According to Taylor, Judice supported her run towards breaking the record at a recent return to her alma mater. 

“All credit to Carli, she is a huge inspiration to young women and she came to see us not too long ago and we had a little competition,” Taylor said.

The accomplishment is bittersweet for the four-year starter. After a senior season that had as many ups as it had downs, the Lady Jackets are on the outside looking in at the 2025 playoffs, meaning Taylor’s high school career is coming to an end. One final game, a senior night contest against Midland, remains before she heads off to pursue a childhood education degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

Head coach Kasha Brown has been able to witness Taylor’s career from freshman to senior. 

“She’s phenomenal,” Brown said of her new record-holder. “She has consistently performed well for us since her freshman year and I couldn’t ask for a better send off for her. It’s been a bumpy road this season and it’s been very tough, but I’m glad that we’re figuring it out towards the end.”

Against VC, Taylor ended the night with three runs and three RBIs along with her record-breaking home run. Third baseman Shaylee Gibson (4 RBIs, 2 doubles) also impressed. Pitcher Evie Sherville recorded six strikeouts over five innings, allowing just one run in 22 batters.