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While I was looking for someone to interview for this edition of The Cracked Pot, I posted on the forum, looking for athletes who were interested in being featured. Not many posted, but Tylor was one of the first to respond, saying that he played soccer. What interested me was that Tylor mentioned trying out for a national team. So I contacted him and here is a conversation I had with him a few weeks ago.

Tim: How long have you been playing soccer?

Tylor: I’ve been playing soccer since I was five years old. I started on a small military team, playing outdoors. I liked it so I kept playing. I played recreational soccer until I was 13 years old. I decided recreational was getting too easy so I tried out for a competitive team. I made it and I’ve been playing competitively since.

Tim: So I hear you're trying out for the national team. Tell us a little bit about that.

Tylor: It’s kind of a long story, but I’ll try to make it short. This summer I was playing on a U-16 competitive team for a small club about half an hour away from where I live. At the end of the season, my coach gave me a packet and told me he wanted me to try out for this club. I looked at the packet and found out it was for [the] Olympic Development Program. It sounded interesting so I read further. I found out that the best of Alaska get together. After the first round of tryouts, the head dudes make some cuts and 25 kids in each age group are chosen. The players that made it are required to attend these camps. After the mini-camps, the kids who made it are on what they call the state team. Around July, the state team flies down to a huge camp where they pick the kids for the regional team. If you're selected for the regional team you get to travel around the U.S playing other regional teams. If a scout spots you and thinks you might have a shot, you could make it all the way to the nationals team. *laughs* Anyways, I made the first cut and I’ve been to one mini-camp. I’ll know if I made states or not by the beginning of March. From there, well, I guess you're just going have to read above again. *Laughs*

Tim: Cool, good luck! Sounds kind of confusing…*laughs* Looking back a bit, what are some of your best memories on the field?

Tylor: I enjoy every minute of every game! There’s no other feeling better than when you step out on the pitch with your fresh jersey hearing the people cheer and being able to play the game you love.

Tim: I totally agree with you. Any interest in playing college or pro soccer?

Tylor: That would be so awesome; I’ve been dreaming of going pro ever since I was a little kid. Playing with the best 25 kids in the state made me realize I still have a long way to go, but I think if I try hard enough I should be able to pull off a soccer scholarship in some college.

Tim: Other than playing soccer what are some other hobbies you have?

Tylor: In the winter, I play basketball to keep me in shape. Snowboarding in the winter with all my friends and skateboarding in the summer when I’m not playing soccer are also awesome. I also love to play guitar and to talk to my friends in my spare time.

Special thanks to TylorT for taking the time for this interview, and best of luck to him in trying out for the national team.

 

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