What a day! Tears were shed, stories were shared, and laughs were plentiful. It is boggling to think that my very own Senior Day has come and gone in the blink of an eye, but boy was it a long time coming. I have been playing soccer since the age of five, so for the past seventeen years of my life. I had always dreamed of playing at the Division I level, and to be recognized for this achievement was indescribable.
I would like to start by giving a huge THANK YOU! Thank you to my family for being my constant support system every step of the way and for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. Thank you to the Belmont women’s soccer team for providing me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you to my boyfriend for always cheering me on no matter the distance. And the biggest thank you to God for always being by my side throughout both the hardships and the highlights.
After looking back on my past four years at Belmont University, I have realized that I have gone on quite the journey. I am not going to lie and say that everything is sunshine and rainbows when it comes to being a student-athlete at the collegiate level. There will be days that will make you question your choices leading up to this point, your athletic ability, your mental and physical limits, and your ability to multitask as you balance school and soccer, just to name a few. But I also do not think I would be even near the person and player that I am today without my team or this sport. Soccer has provided me with so many opportunities, memories, and friends that I will forever be grateful for. Many life lessons were learned along the way, but I feel more than prepared to start the next chapter of my life with my ever-growing toolkit. Whether it is the ability to manage my time well, work in a team environment, or strive to go the extra mile, soccer has laid a firm foundation for my future. As I begin my next journey of attending law school, I know that I can achieve far more than I can ever imagine. I also know that I will be able to handle anything that comes my way with God at my side. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Pray and leave it to God. He’s got you, He is so good!
Senior Day is sadly over but Belmont women’s soccer isn’t, though! We will be traveling to Iowa this week to compete against the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University. These are the final two games of conference play, with the conference tournament beginning the following week. Be sure to tune in and cheer on the Bruins!
Also, huge shoutout to my teammate, classmate, and best friend Sarah Doyle for giving the sweetest and most heartfelt speech during Senior Day. Sarah also has a blog called The Racing Generation, so start your engines and go check it out!
Be on the lookout for new blogs every Tuesday and Thursday and new content on all of my social accounts every day! Let’s connect and stay up-to-date with me on Instagram (taylor.toat), Pinterest (@taymae_toat), and Facebook (@Taylor Dorenkott).
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Let’s have some great big fun today!
XOXO,
Taylor Mae
P.S.
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