The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

Featured Athlete: Taylor Person

Freshmen+Taylor+Person+kicks+the+ball+into+goal.+Person+also+plays+for+the+FC+Dallas+ECNL+team.+
Amiya Callicutt
Freshmen Taylor Person kicks the ball into goal. Person also plays for the FC Dallas ECNL team.

Freshman Taylor Person plays on the girls varsity soccer team. Person also competes in soccer outside of school for FC Dallas ECNL and is working to be able to play in college. 

Pre-Game:

Pre-game meal: Protein bar, any fruit, energy drink

Favorite movie:Collateral Beauty”

Favorite soccer player: Rose Lavelle

Pre-game music: Pump up/Rap

Post-Game:

The Red Ledger: What made you want to start playing soccer? Why?

Taylor Person: At first, it was just a fun thing to do as I was growing up, but as time moved on, it [became] something I enjoyed. [I] was always excited to get to practices and games. I’ve always had that drive in me to want to be better than anyone else on the field [and] court, but soccer was just different. I was able to understand [soccer] and move with and around people with the ball so easily. So once I started getting into club teams, it really became what was on my mind 24/7. 

TRL: Who’s the biggest influence in your life today? Why?

TP: My mom [is my biggest influence] because she’s always there to remind me of the process and what it takes to become the athlete I want to be. I’m constantly put in situations where I have to give more than just 100 percent. She believes in me and knows that I have the capability to do more, give more effort, and be more aggressive.

TRL: When did you start getting interest from college teams?

TP: After I went to my first couple showcases, I started to get a little following on Twitter by [the coaches so they could] keep up with my season, but that’s about it. Before COVID-19, some [coaches] would be at our regular season games and showcase games, but because of NCAA rules, I can’t really reach out until June after my sophomore year.

TRL: What are your goals for your upcoming freshman season?

TP: Personally, I want to have fun. I’ve met some incredible people this year that will be gone next year, and I’m hoping to make these next couple of months count. Also as a team it would be awesome for us to make it to the playoffs, and compete for the state title, but first it’s all about getting through district. 

TRL: What are some of the strengths in your game?

TP: [ I would] definitely [say] attacking and moving the ball super quick at the other team while they’re trying to track back. [It] is not only a strength but an incredible feeling. The rush of the players moving up the field, combing passes, and trying to create scoring opportunities is what we play for.

TRL: If you didn’t play soccer, what sport would you play? Why?

TP: [I would play] basketball because to me the sports are very similar in the pace and concepts. In both sports, you can go from attacking to defending so quickly. Basketball is super competitive, and you have to be aggressive and go 100 percent all the time just like soccer. I also played basketball from fourth grade all the way to eighth but stopped this year to focus on soccer. 

TRL: How does soccer outside of school differ from soccer at school?

TP: It depends, at school [soccer] is a lot more social, and I’m able to have more fun while still staying engaged. It’s a good learning experience to play with older athletes just like I would in college. Where as for club, it’s all about engagement and being coachable. I don’t have as much freedom with the ball because I’m going against players who are very quick on their feet and know how to read my movements. [Because of this,] I have to be creative in my decision making, and what I choose to do with the ball.

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About the Contributors
Will Doig, Section Editor
Entering his farewell year, senior Will Doig is excited about becoming a sports editor. Outside of the newsroom, you can find Doig watching any latest sporting event, hanging out with his friends and hitting the gym. Doig also loves volunteering at his church, going to The Porch with friends and eating Chipotle burritos. Doig appreciates some solid coffee, Saturday college football games in the fall and country music. Although the year will be an unprecedented one with college decisions looming, Doig is thrilled for the year ahead while concluding his TRL career with fellow sports editor and Leopard Life classmate, Margo.
Amiya Callicutt, Photographer
Junior Amiya Callicutt is a photographer on The Red Ledger for her second year. Callicutt is a soccer playing yogi, who loves Jesus. When Callicutt isn't playing soccer, you can find her practicing yoga, listening to music or hanging out with her friends. Callicutt listens to all types of music, except country. Her favorite genre of music is rap or R&B. She loves listening to The Weeknd, Ella Mai and many more artists. Never ask her who her favorite artist is because she will never know. Callicutt doesn't have any pets, but she has four cacti and an aloe vera plant that she loves just as much. Callicutt plays on the Solar u19 ECNL regional team. Callicutt has been playing soccer since she was three years old. Callicutt is very optimistic about this upcoming year.

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