Introducing U: Taylor Shell
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – One of nine newcomers on the University of Miami soccer team, Taylor Shell is quickly getting used to her new surroundings in South Florida.
A 5-foot, 2-inch forward from Midlothian, Va., she took the time to speak with HurricaneSports.com about getting acclimated to the weather, team and more…
Q: To start off, you have been at Miami for almost a month now. How has the experience been thus far?
“It has gone pretty well and I think I finally adjusted to the weather. Back in Virginia it is similarly hot, although it is still different here. Different humidity. And then academic-wise, I feel like I have adjusted pretty well. [Assistant director/tutor coordinator] Heather [de la Osa] has been great in helping me adjust. And then a lot of the older girls have been very helpful, by helping me adjust to the academic schedule in addition to the annual morning lifts and runs.”
Q: You mentioned some of the older girls who have been around. Has anyone in particular been there to help show you and the other freshmen around and help get you acclimated?
“Dejah [Cason], Selena [Fortich], Lauren [Markwith] and Fish [Kristina Fisher] have been a great help. Since some of them are on campus, it is a little bit easier to communicate and they are there at lifts pushing us and helping us learn the ins and outs of how to be successful at UM.”
Q: You also mentioned the morning workouts, how has it been working with strength and conditioning coach Trey Watson?
“It has gone pretty well, Trey is a fun guy. He definitely pushes us to our limits. He is there to make us better and wants nothing but the best for us. To help us improve not only at UM, but further on down the road.”
Q: What do you feel are your main strengths as a player?
“My tactical awareness. I think I can read the game pretty well and have an understanding of what good decision would be, as well as a risky one. I also strike the ball pretty well and view long balls as one of my strengths. But pretty much the tactical awareness that I have. I can break down the game mentally and break down other teams’ tactics.”
Q: Do you have a favorite spot on campus, and if not what has been your favorite part about Miami thus far?
“I haven’t found a favorite spot on campus just yet, but I have really enjoyed getting to know the team. Also, the opportunity of getting into the flow of things and getting adjusted before preseason starts, rather than just getting thrown into things, has been great. I’m figuring things out as the days go on, so getting here early was a big help.”
Q: Have you made it over to the beach since arriving on campus?
“We went to South Beach, which was really fun. A ton of athletes from football, baseball, volleyball and others were there, so we had a really good time together.”
Q: What made you decide Miami was the school for you?
“The ACC is one of the most competitive conferences in the country and the academics here are phenomenal. There is also a great coaching staff that I can learn from.”
Q: Do you know what you want to major in and, if so, how did you decide that?
“I am majoring in broadcast media and minoring in sport administration. I am very into broadcasting and I like the statistics side of things. I am very into the Premier League and I am always listening to what the announcers are saying. I like breaking down the game and seeing where players make their best and worst decisions. Also, I love the details discussed over a broadcast about each players’ backgrounds.”
Quick Facts…
Favorite meal: Grilled chicken and pasta. So, a penne rosa with broccoli.
Favorite soccer player: Ryan Giggs and Tobin Heath
Favorite pro sports team: Manchester United
Favorite ice cream: Cookies and Cream
Nickname: T or T-Shell
Go to song to warm-up to:“All of the Lights” by Kanye West
