SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana relief pitcher Kai Taylor has signed a contract with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League, becoming the 36th student-athlete under AU head coach Tim Huber to go onto a professional career.

He made his debut on June 25, throwing a pair of scoreless innings while facing just six hitters in relief for the Boomers.
 
"Kai has really come a long way from his freshman year to now," Huber said. "His last couple years tell the story and he was really good for us this past spring. He pitches with confidence and competes and has earned this opportunity. "
 
Taylor was a major piece out of the bullpen over the course of his career with the Vikings, holding a career era of 3.93 with an opponents batting average of just .231. In 48 appearances and 89 1/3 career innings, Taylor was 9-3 with 86 strikeouts and has allowed just 77 hits. 

His senior year was his best as he held a 2.54 era in 39 innings with a 4-2 record and four saves over 12 appearances, including three starts. Taylor held an opponents batting average of .225 and earned a victory to help send the Vikings to the NSIC Championship game in May. He is a three-time NSIC Champion, 2024 and 2025 Academic All-NSIC honoree, 2025 Academic All-District honoree and member of the 2023 College World Series Team.