Harrison scored a goal in her debut.
ROCKFORD (WREX) — Taylor Harrison, a native of Dixon, is living her dream of playing professional soccer in Bosnia after a successful college career at Loyola.
In her debut game, Harrison scored a goal, marking a memorable start to her professional journey.
“I was definitely very shocked. It was a surreal moment,” Harrison said. “Soccer is just a huge culture over here and it meant so much to them.”
During her time at Loyola, Harrison scored 18 goals, and she holds a Dixon High School record with 57 goals in a single season. Her passion for soccer began early, despite a rocky start.
“I started playing soccer at age three. I knew from the get-go this is what I wanted to do even though my first game I spent crying by my dad the entire time,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s determination never wavered, and she set her sights on becoming a professional soccer player.
“I’ve always thought to myself I want to play professional soccer,” she said. “But as I got older, reality was like maybe it’s not going to happen for you.”
Through hard work and perseverance, Harrison achieved her goal.
“If you really want something go get it,” she said. “I’m only young once. And I only get the opportunity to do this one time. I’m going to take it.”
Now, Harrison is embracing life in a new culture while playing the game she loves.
“It’s very refreshing to be over here and experience the slower-paced life,” she said. “Getting to know a new culture is a lot of fun.”
Though language barriers exist in Bosnia, Harrison finds that soccer is a universal language she speaks fluently.
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