March 8, 2016
Growing up playing soccer in the late ‘90s your youth practices and games were filled with orange slices, bulky shin guards up to your knees, and dreams of playing pro like your idols Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain and of course Mia Hamm.
For recent Vandy grad, Taylor Elliot, her childhood dream of playing professional soccer is coming true, as she begins her journey across the globe with FF Lugano.
“It has always been my dream to play professional soccer,” said Elliot. “Since I was five years old when I first started, I wanted to play professionally. Soccer has been my passion since I was little and I knew I wanted to continue to play soccer after my college career was over. I couldn’t just stop playing soccer after playing it my whole life.”
Elliot who competed in all 21 games for the Commodores last season and represented VU with a spot on the SEC Community Service Team, will move to Lugano in southern Switzerland where the natives speak Italian, and love “Football”.
FF Lugano was founded in 1976. As a member of the Women’s National A Leageue athletes who play for the club compete against the highest level of competition in Switzerland.
While the language barrier may be a huge culture shock to the Massapequa, N.Y. native, the opportunity to live a different lifestyle in an ancient city is something she couldn’t pass up.
“I am excited to get there and see what its like. But super nervous that most of my teammates don’t speak English. I think it will be a good learning experience for me because I never been to Europe and I will get to live a different lifestyle than I am used.”
“It will be really interesting trying to communicate with my teammates who speak Italian. Also I will be traveling to different parts of the world that I might never have had the opportunity to otherwise see while at the same time playing the sport I love. I am super thankful for the opportunity!”
Elliott, who will be one of three Americans on the Swiss team, reached out to her future teammates with both pros selling her on the experience. Taylor also picked the brains of her past coaches and her Vanderbilt family in preparation for this new chapter of her life.
“They told me to just play and remember what makes me as a player successful on the field. Basically, play to my strengths and work hard! Also, they told me to not over analyze each practice. Most of all they told me to enjoy the experience!”
