HS Student Athlete Profile: San Antonio Christians Kaylee Tarver

SPONSORED POST BY: MIAS MEXICAN GRILL

There is no doubt that when it comes to TAPPS ( Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools), San Antonio, Texas leads the way in all three divisions. Over the last half decade, San Antonio in TAPPS play has either won the State title or reached the final in every Division I-III respectfully. San Antonio Christian Schools own JR, Kaylee Tarver has been part of tradition of winning for SAC playing in TAPPS Winter Soccer. Since her freshman year she has as freshman advanced to TAPPS 5A State Championships and selected for 5A TAPPS All State 1st teams offense. Her sophomore year SAC moved up divisions to 6A where she won a District title and going undefeated during district play. This year, now a Junior Kaylee scored 51 goals with 23 assists breaking the previous school record of 49 goals in a single season as well as leading San Antonio to win in Area Championships.

• How old where you when you started playing soccer and what was the first team or club you played for?

I started playing soccer when I was four years old.  I stopped for a couple of years and returned to it when I was seven at Classics Elite.

• Who is your mentor or biggest influence when it comes to playing soccer?

A big mentor in soccer for me has been Coach Sean Morris with Simply Soccer.  He has helped me to grow so much as a soccer player, improving my shooting and ball skills.  He’s a great trainer who has always believed in me and pushed me to do my best.

• Who is your favorite player and why?

One of my favorite soccer players is Mia Hamm.  I’ve watched lots of videos of her play. She was a successful forward with great footwork and ball movement who paved the way for many women soccer players.  I liked her so much that I even named one of my pets after her.

• Who is your favorite team?

My favorite team is the US Women’s National Team.  They’re my favorite because they are a diverse group of super talented women that have the honor of representing our great country at the highest level of soccer.

• Besides playing your primary position; is there any other position you play?

On my high school team, I play center forward.  On club teams, I have played center forward and left and right winger.  I’ve always been a very attack-minded player and used both of my feet to shoot, so I’ve always played in a forward position.

• What has been some of the keys to your and SACS Girls soccer team success this season?

Our team has strength in all areas on the field.  Our defenders and goalkeeper really shut down opponents.  The strength in each area contributed to the success of each person and to the success of the team as a whole.  My teammates play with heart.  They always work hard at practice which helps us prepare mentally and physically for the games.

• What are your plans after high school? Are you planning to play in college or go pro?

I committed to playing soccer at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.  From the moment I stepped on the campus and met with the Coaches, they were so welcoming, and it felt like it would be a great fit for me.  They have a great program, and I hope to be able to contribute to their continued success.

• Have you played at club or academy level? If so, what was your experience like playing for a club?

I’ve played club for a number of years at a couple of different clubs.  Club is a competitive environment that has helped me to become a better player.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of great coaches over the years.  I currently play for the Sting under Coach Brandon Rodriguez.  He’s an awesome coach who cares for his team not only as players but also as individuals.  He is great with communication and provides lots of encouragement and wise advice.

• What advice would you give kids and underclassman looking to play Varsity High School soccer?

My advice would be to work on your soccer skills and conditioning, in addition to going to regular team practices.  Work on weaknesses, such as your less dominant foot.  Also, always give great effort in each team practice to show your desire to earn a spot.

• What is your pregame ritual? Do you have a favorite song, meal or other thing you do prior to a game?

I do a devotional every night and I often find words of inspiration and comfort through that.  Shortly before games, I like to drink a smoothie as a snack and to listen to music.  I also pray before the game that my play would glorify God and that my team and I would play to the best of our ability.  I also like to meditate on scripture, such as 1 Peter 5:7- Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you.

• What are some important lessons and advice you have learned from your High School Soccer coach?
• Coach Lynsie Outlaw is a great coach who tells me that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  She encourages me to take shots and “to do my thing” and has helped me to become a more vocal player on and off the field.  She shows great passion and enthusiasm for the game which has a positive impact on me and our team.

• Are there additional coaches who’ve had an impact on you during your high school playing years?

Coach Edward Estrada, Coach Pete Hunter, and Coach Brandon Wiles are also great coaches who mentored me, encouraged me, and also helped me in my development as a player.  I’m so thankful for all the amazing coaches that have supported me in soccer growth.

• Besides winning district and area championships, was there another impactful moment this season?

Yes, I experienced a surprising and special act of kindness this season.  It was from a non-district team we played, New Braunfels Christian Academy.  They were actually the smallest school we played, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in kindness and character.  Each of the players on their team wrote a handwritten note to each of the players on our team and gave it to us at the game.  The note I received wished me good luck and prayers for no injuries and good sportsmanship.  I was really touched by this.  The world needs more kindness and love like that right now.  Whenever I step on the field, I want to play competitively but I also want to do it in such a way that honors God, my family, my school, and my team.  I love to see examples of people living out their faith with love, so it was especially nice to see it on the soccer field.