Courtesy photo Former Escanaba Eskymo and current Detroit Mercy softball player Taylor Gauthier poses for a picture with her championship ring during Friday’s ring ceremony in Detroit.

DETROIT — Taylor Gauthier is living out her dream.

The University of Detroit Mercy softball player and former Escanaba Eskymo helped the Titans win the Horizon League last May for the first time since 1992 in her freshman season.

The team was honored with championship rings and a banner during the school’s men’s basketball game against Oakland last Friday.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of playing college softball and winning the Horizon League was the best feeling in the world,” Gauthier said in a text message Tuesday. “It was like all my dreams came true, and I will forever cherish the memories that night we received our rings and banner as the 2019 Horizon League Softball Champions.”

Gauthier, now entering her sophomore season, helped the Eskymos win their first of back-to-back state titles in 2018. She still holds the school’s home run record.

When she signed with the Titans in June of 2018, the coaches told her, ‘If you can hit you will play.’

Last season she played in 35 games, making 20 starts before her season ended prematurely due to injury. She had two doubles and an RBI, while also going 8 for 10 on stolen base attempts.

“My experience at Detroit Mercy has been more than I expected,” Gauthier said. “I love the small school-based atmosphere… What has led to our success as a team has been the team concept and bond that we all share. We are all a family.”

The Titans open their 2020 campaign with the Florida State tournament this weekend in Tallahassee, Fla.