See New York Region Top 20 - Boys | Girls

Taylor Washington remembers a time when the act of playing club soccer was wishful thinking.

Now he can’t imagine not playing.

The FC Westchester defender, the No. 1 player in our New York Top 20 ranking for 2011s, will forever take with him his early health challenges.  

From the time he was in fourth grade until his sixth grade year, Washington had bouts of sickness that forced him to miss 50 days of school a year. And if he couldn’t make it to the classroom, it goes without saying he wasn’t spending much time on the field.

These days, he’s making up for lost time.

“Every time I step on the field I am so grateful to be there,” Washington said. “Today I am healthy and I will always play for those who can’t, or who never got a chance to play this beautiful game.”

A steady and athletic midfielder, Washington is a valuable member of his U.S. Development Academy Westchester team.

He’s heading to Boston University next year where his passion for the game and gratitude should serve him well.

“It’s going to be a challenge, and I’m looking forward to it,” Washington said. “This year I want to take what I have learned to another level. I am looking to build on what I know to prepare me for the next level.”

Joining Washington as standouts in the Top 20 New York Region are Dakota Edwards (2012), Jordan Allen (2013), Billy Stevens (2014), Ronaldo Lozano (2015) and Omorogbe Uyiosa (2016).

On the girls’ side, Lia Bellizzi (2011), Natalie Cikos (2012), Jaclyn DiMartino (2013) and Shelby Fredericks (2014) highlight the list.

 

See New York Region Top 20 - Boys | Girls