SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Taylor Wilson, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Penn State. Wilson plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Northern Virginia Alliance .
SoccerWire Featured Player since July 2022.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Penn State?
Taylor Wilson: I have been a Penn State fan since I set foot on campus when I was 12. I attended an afternoon training session for local kids in State College, as the only one to drive 3 hours! I had never even visited a college campus and fell in love. The head coach, Erica Dambach was so nice and encouraging. It was then that I knew soccer was my thing and I wanted to go far!
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
TW: There were mostly good moments and a few that were stressful. I was humbled to have most of my target schools reach out and even a few surprises. I participated in as many calls as I could and really enjoyed talking to coaches about their student-athlete culture and their game models. Getting to know coaches outside the ID camp environment really helped me focus on where I would fit the best.
SW: Growing up- who was your favorite soccer player and your favorite team?
TW: In Germantown, the Washington Spirit used to play 2 miles away from my house, so I have always followed them. Ashley Hatch is my favorite! She trained me during the worst part of the pandemic and really motivated me and became an amazing mentor and friend. I could not ask for a better role model.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
TW: I am going to study Kinesiology with the intention of one day being a Physical Therapist, I am a math and science student for sure!
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
TW: DC Scores is my favorite. We envision a DC where every child – no matter their family income – experiences the joys of childhood: sports, arts, service, and being part of a team. Where every child – no matter their family circumstances – is empowered to find academic success and grow into an emotionally and physically healthy teen and adult
I competed with Project Citizen on a position paper to direct schools to count high school sports as PE credits. It’s surprising how many states don’t allow that. My work earned national recognition. Hopefully it gets adopted nationally.
SW: What are your favorite soccer jersey that you have ever owned?
TW: Probably my signed Washington Spirit jerseys!
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Northern Virginia Alliance so far?
TW: I was new to the team in 2022. Soccer is about taking risks, so I took a risk to join a top team that would push my game to the next level. The players make each other better, everyone supports one another and there are no cliques! 21 players that are all friends! Our coach Phil Liversedge is amazing and incredibly encouraging. He allows us to play through mistakes and mixes in humor to create a fun environment. I miss practice when I can’t attend due to a high school session!
SW: How has social media and being a SoccerWire Featured Player helped you with the college recruiting process?
TW: I was told by someone that anytime my name is out there, it can only help. I spoke to many coaches will always look to our play to evaluate, but the social media reach helps get my clips to the right audience. I learned a lot about marketing that’s for sure.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level what would it be?
TW: Take time to celebrate when you do it right. When you have a good personal result, what you’re really celebrating is the hours it took to get there, not just that one moment. Any success we have on the field is also a result of the team’s work. Celebrate and lift up your teammates!
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
TW: My parents. My mom was a competitive track star and my dad played baseball in college and professionally. They are great mentors…also my coaches Phil Liversedge, & Cristos Nicholas, my trainers, and my teammates especially! My teammates inspire me! My teachers have also been incredible in supporting the travel demands of the ECNL while in honors classes 🙂
