HOMETOWN HONOREE TAYLOR HUFF

Hometown Honoree: Taylor Huff

Taylor Huff during her senior year at Madison Comprehensive High School

FOR LOVE OF RICHLAND

If you follow soccer and live in Richland County, it is likely you have quickly become a Tennessee Volunteers Fan. We are proud to share a glimpse into the story and journey of local soccer legend, Taylor Huff.

A 2021 Madison High School graduate, 2020 United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year, Ohio Miss Soccer, Gatorade Player of the Year and holding the Ohio record with 93 career assists along with 133 career goals and a state championship and yet she is just getting started.

Tell us about growing up in Lucas:

“I have lived in the same home in Lucas, Ohio my entire life. Growing up I was always active, I would go outside with my dad and my older sister Hayley and we would kick the soccer ball against the garage for hours! I learned the hard way to properly kick the soccer ball because if I didn’t my foot would be hurting from kicking the concrete. .

“I grew up really competitive wanting to beat my sister and be better. At one point, I even wrestled in co-ed tournaments and placed 4th! Haley pushed me to be the best soccer player and truly has always been one of my biggest supporters. My younger, Ava, has also been inspirational in my life, constantly hyping me up in some sort of way. My parents of course were instrumental in everything I did yet never push me to where I felt exhausted. I wanted the opportunity to succeed, so I new I had to pushed myself. “

“I would describe Richland county and in general Madison as caring. I am thankful for the authenticity and the support from everyone. Every small moment of encouragement during my soccer journey is definitely something I will cherish. It’s like a family that I will have forever and when I come back from Knoxville I will look forward to seeing everyone again.”

Taylor and her family with the coveted State Championship Trophy

**“I love to read and write and pretty much anything creative which is why I love soccer so much because I get to be creative with my skills and decisions!”**
**“My relationship with God is important to me! My favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you”.**
**“My Great Grandma Garnie is my favorite person and I visit her every Wednesday and we always have an amazing time.”**
**“I played for Internationals Soccer Club out of Medina, Ohio.”**
**“I love running and listening to podcasts!”**

**a few of her favorite things**

JUST A GLIMPSE INTO HER FUTURE ASPIRATIONS:

Currently a freshman at University of Tennessee, Taylor is in the middle of her first season playing Midfielder, and let’s just stay (cause her kind, humble character likely wouldn’t do it herself) that she is DOMINATING! Wearing No. 13 for the Lady Vol’s, Huff was just ranked the #9 Freshman in the country by TopDrawerSoccer. Huff has already proved to be a catalyst in key moments in SEC play, responsible for forcing overtime two games in a row, including finding the net in the 86th minute against No. 11 Auburn after the team’s lone loss this season to Arkansas and awarding her being named SEC Freshman of week on Sept. 27th!

“Richland County will forever be a part of me. Throughout my soccer career at Madison the amount of support shown by everyone was incredible. I am thankful to live in a small town where everyone knows and follows local sports. To be able to have an impact and share a state title with the community is a blessing and dream come true!”

“I remain undecided on my major but I know that wherever God wants me he will put me and it will all work out! I am excited to be in Knoxville it felt like home to me from when I stepped on campus in February of 2018 as a freshman in High School!” I plan to always be involved in ministry within my community, as I had volunteered at Matthew 25 Outreach in Richland County. Tennessee has many different groups for Christians and they even have Vol Athletes Christian group I am excited about!”

“In the future I would like to play professionally wherever. I have always dreamed of player for Manchester City and the thought of playing in another country especially would be awesome! Additionally, I look forward to giving back in some capacity such as coaching one way or another.”

Wherever her future takes her, we know for sure it will be full of heart! Congratulations, Taylor, may fulfilling your dreams be but a small part of what the future holds for you!