RISING STAR: Eclipse Select's Taylor Vancil

• by Bryan Alvarez  @somuser, Jan 28, 2009

Taylor Vancil played every game in goal for the United States at the Under-17 Women's World Cup in November, helping guide the Yanks to a second-place finish. Taylor plays club ball with Illinois powerhouse Eclipse Select even though her family has moved to Colorado. In the fall, she will play at Louisville. Learn more about Taylor Vancil in our Rising Star profile.

POSITION: Goalkeeper
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: Colorado Springs, Colo.
YOUTH CLUB: Eclipse Select
COLLEGE: Louisville
INTERNATIONAL: U.S. U-17 national team (2008 Under-17 Women's World Cup runner-up)
STARTING OUT: It's what I've been playing since I was a kid. I played a ton of other sports. It's what I enjoyed so I stuck with it.
EARLY SOCCER MEMORY: When I used to play forward I was about 9 or 10 years old. I dribbled from half field during a rainy game. I was one on one with the keeper. The keeper sort of moved as I was shooting. I ended up sliding into the goal with the ball in between my knees. That was pretty funny.
FIRST CLEATS: Mitres, or whatever.
CURRENT CLEATS: Adidas Predators.
OTHER SPORTS: Lacrosse, basketball and softball.
FAVORITE TEAMS: Colorado Avalanche, New England Patriots, Arsenal.
FAVORITE PLAYER: Patrick Roy, Vince Young.
FAVORITE MOVIES: Dodgeball, Anchorman.
FAVORITE ACTOR: I don't have one.
FAVORITE ACTRESS: Don't have one either.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Friday Night Lights, Grey's Anatomy.
MOST INFLUENTIAL COACH: Mike Bristol, my goalkeeper coach with my club team.
HOBBIES: I like to play video games (Rock Band and Guitar Hero). I also make string bracelets and beaded jewelry.
MUSIC: I like pretty much like anybody. I don't like country. I'll listen to everything else. Before a game, I listen to hip-hop and rap. Most other times, I listen to rock and alternative rock.
READING: When I get time I like to read. My favorite author is Jodi Picoult.
VACATION: I never go on vacation. My soccer stuff is my vacation. When I'm in Colorado with my parents, I like to go to the mountains.
FAMOUS PERSON YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER: Hope Solo.