Taylor Jacobson is a high school student who recently accepted an offer to play Division 1 soccer at the University of South Carolina. Read our interview with her below!
Nonahood News: Tell us a little bit about you.
Taylor Jacobson: I’m a senior at Lake Nona High School. For the past five years, I’ve played club soccer for Orlando City ECNL, which is the Elite Clubs National League team. I train with former U.S. Men’s National Team player Eddie Johnson. I also train with Demitrius Bronson, who is a former NFL player that lives here. With his business, 53 Squad, I’ve been lifting and doing speed and agility to get faster and prepare for my college career. I’ve also been working part-time at Veg’n Out since they opened in September.
NHN: What got you into soccer?
TJ: I think my parents put me in soccer. I’ve been playing soccer since I was five years old. I played different sports when I was younger, but soccer was the one I stuck to. The competitive nature of the game kept me committed to soccer. I love how there’s always something you can improve on.
NHN: What was your soccer journey? How did you get to this point in your career?
TJ: I played competitive club soccer for many years and was part of the Olympic Development program, representing my state for two years. Last month, I accepted an offer to play Division 1 soccer at the University of South Carolina and compete in the SEC [Southeastern Conference]. It was stressful because of the pandemic. I never would have imagined it would take this long, but in a way, the pandemic was also a blessing. When COVID-19 first got here, my club practices, training, everything shut down. I couldn’t train anywhere, couldn’t play games. That was hard, but I knew that this was time that, while other people weren’t working, I really needed to work. I would go to parking garages and any field I could find and just work. I would film videos, post them to get exposure to coaches, and constantly email coaches. I continued to work, reached out to coaches, played in a showcase – and that’s when South Carolina was able to see me. They weren’t able to be there physically, but they watched through livestream. And then, they made me an offer. This whole experience has been different, but I appreciate everything that has happened.
NHN: What drew you to South Carolina? What will you study?
TJ: The school has great academic and athletic programs. The coaches have been there for over 20 years, so they have a wealth of experience. Also, the family environment was important to me. I like that everyone is so close and supportive of one another on and off the field. I’m most excited about playing with the other girls that have been there for years and have experience playing in a college cup and on national teams, too. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready for it. Working with these players will improve my skills. I can’t wait to get there in a few months and start working and training. Also, I’ll probably study sports management.
NHN: Who inspires you?
TJ: My mom and my aunt are my biggest inspirations. They always told me to believe in myself. Sometimes we have moments where our confidence is low, but just keep believing that you can make it, work hard, and continue to do that throughout your life. They’re my inspirations as well as watching the Women’s National Team. Carli Lloyd has always been my favorite player, and watching her work ethic and leadership inspires me to be like that for the younger generation.
NHN: Besides soccer, what are your hobbies?
TJ: I play piano. I’ve played piano for eight years. It’s an outlet for me to play. I also love to spend time with my family, listen to music, go to theme parks.
NHN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
TJ: My goal is to be playing professionally and playing on the U.S. Women’s National Team.
NHN: What advice do you have for anyone interested in getting into soccer?
TJ: For younger soccer players, always believe in yourself. Don’t listen when other people say that you can’t do something. I’ve had coaches in the past tell me that my goals weren’t realistic. If you have a goal or a dream, just stick to it, work hard, keep going, and don’t let what other people say get to you. You’re in charge of your own destiny, and you can figure out what you want to do.
Photos Courtesy of Taylor Jacobson
