Chicago Recap!

On the road again… but this time to the great city of Chicago! This time around was a much quicker trip, and a bittersweet one at that.

Day 1: I feel like a BNA pro at this point! After downing some Barista Parlor coffee and getting to work on some new Taylor to a T content, we landed in the windy city. Upon arrival, we drove over to get a quick pre-game practice in at the University of Illinois Chicago. Thanks to the traffic we encountered on our way to the hotel after training, we were able to sight see from the comfort of the bus. My family and I lived in Chicago for a short ten months when I was only four years old, so I do not remember much besides the house in which we lived.The gorgeous architecture, never-ending water of Lake Michigan, the various universities scattered about, and so much more formed the structure of such a breathtaking scene. I may have been so mesmerized by it all that I filled out an application or two for law school!

Day 2: Doomsday. Okay, that is a bit dramatic. But by definition, doomsday is a time or event of crisis and boy was it ever. It is so weird to think that I played my last soccer on game on a random Thursday in a completely different state. The loss was tough, with Belmont conceding a goal off of a corner kick in over time for the second year in a row. Watching the ball go into the net felt like time was moving at a snail’s pace and there was nothing I could do about it. This memory will stick with me forever, but it will sting less and less as time goes by. To make light of the situation and attempt to make the most of our time in Chicago, the coaches let us visit the infamous Cloud Gate, which is better known as The Bean. Pictures do not do it justice! Although it may take a maximum of five minutes to take this sight in, the area surrounding The Bean is quite neat. There is much to do close by and many great photo spots to capture memories from your visit!

As I’m writing this blog, I find it difficult to admit that I don’t feel as sad as I believe that others would expect for me to be. Such a monumental chapter in my life came to an end just five days ago. Admittedly, I feel content. I do not think it will truly hit me until my roommates who are continuing to play go off to practice for the spring season. This may be beneficial, though, because we have all been through a journey this season and ending things all together and at the same brings a sense of closure. It is also exciting to know that a very exciting new chapter is about to begin. Two weeks ago, I submitted applications to my top choices for law schools. With the lessons I have learned and the tools I have acquired over the past four years, I feel capable and confident that I will be able to handle whatever life throws my way. With God’s help, of course! Wherever I end up, whether it’s Ohio State, UT, or even Belmont, I am giving all of my uncertainties and anxieties to God. His timing and plans are much greater than I can ever imagine!

Have any questions about life as a student-athlete or any other topics that you would like to have covered? Any current prayer requests that this community can pray about? Or just want to get in contact with Taylor Mae herself? Be sure to use the Topic Request, Prayer Request, or Contact Me links found under the Let’s Get Connected tab! I post 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).

Let’s have some great big fun today!

XOXO,

Taylor Mae

P.S. This blog is for my Social Media Marketing class, and our grade is based on engagement from readers like you! So, the more exploring of Taylor to a T the better! And what better way to get connected with a new community than building relationships both on and offline? Taylor to a T is just the place for that!