On November 8, Ava Taylor signed her National Letter of Intent to continue playing soccer at Palm Atlantic University.

Taylor began playing soccer when she was 6, playing for recreational teams like Ballenger Creek Soccer and Carroll Manor Soccer. Taylor believes that her club team, FC Frederick, has helped prepare her to play soccer at a collegiate level.

“It is at a much faster pace and is much more serious, which has gotten me ready for what is to come in college,” said Taylor.

Taylor has played on the varsity girls’ soccer team for three years as a forward and midfielder and has served as one of three captains in her senior year. She has contributed on the field by becoming a leading goal scorer this season.

“High school soccer has taught me so much, like how to play for your school with pride and overcome adversity,” Taylor said.

Mike Heller is Taylor’s coach and believes she does much more for the team than score goals.

“What I’ll miss most is her smile and the energy she brings to our training sessions and games,” said Heller.

Heller is not the only one who will miss seeing Taylor as she continues her soccer career at Palm Atlantic University. Her mother shares bittersweet sentiments over her daughter’s next steps.

“I am so very happy for her, but this mama’s heartstrings are being pulled at the same time,” said Ava’s mother, Kimberly Taylor.

In addition to athletics, Taylor plans to major in business management, working towards a career in professional sports. With one of Florida’s National Football League teams being only two hours away, one of her goals off the field is to work with the Miami Dolphins.

Taylor’s energy has already rewarded her with friends at her new school.

“I’ve also met one of the other girls in my class that committed with me, and we got along so well, we’re going to actually room together,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s career in both athletics and academics at Palm Atlantic is just beginning, and her father, Darnell Taylor, has full confidence that she will succeed.

“She’s a great student– it’ll just take her time to adjust to college ’cause you’ve got to manage your own time between studies and athletics and make sure there’s an equal balance,” Darnell Taylor said.

In the next stage of her life, Taylor’s mom encourages her to follow the same advice that was shared with her when choosing her college in the first place: “follow your heart and trust your gut.”