She’s got the experience, she’s got the talent and she hopes to back it up on the pitch next season in Prince George.
Madison Taylor was announced yesterday (April 22) as UNBC’s latest signing for its women’s soccer program and will suit up for the 2020-21 Canada West season.
The 18-year-old is a fullback/centre with apparent traits that include composure, control and maturity, which she says stems from her experience playing at one of Burnaby’s highest-ranked football clubs.
“I am a very technical player,” says Taylor in a team release, who boasts a resume that includes the TSS FC Under-18 Rovers and a stint in the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL).
“I have always been recognized by my coaches for how well I can control and manipulate the ball. I can read the field and visualize the field really well. I am calm, composed, and commanding in the backline.
“I worked heavily on my fitness, and in addition to my HPL practices, I did private training sessions. It took a lot of sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. But to have this opportunity now, it was all worth it.”
Taylor has been tapped by UNBC Head Coach Neil Sedgwick as a player not only with good footwork and ball control, but one who has shown growth since her first invite to the school.
He says that makes the job of recruiting the next wave of T-Wolves easier.
“We have been able to watch Madi grow from one year to the next. She projects to continue to improve, and has the makings of a player who will contribute to our program, which is very exciting,” said Sedgwick in the same release.
“Players like Madison, who demonstrate the growth between camps or tournaments, show us that the game is meaningful and they are focused on taking the right steps to become a university player. I am thrilled to add her to our program.”
The five-foot-seven defender picked UNBC to start her collegiate career because of, what she calls, its ‘family dynamic’ in connecting with other Timberwolves.
She also understands there’ll be quite a jump to make from club soccer to the university level, but believes there are elements to her game she can improve prior to the first whistle.
“I expect there to be a jump in speed and physicality. I am super excited to be playing with like-minded players who want to get better and have the drive to improve. I am excited to learn under Neil and to continue to grow as both a person and a player.”
Taylor is set to graduate Burnaby Central Secondary and plans to major in psychology before pursuing a career in law.
