McALLEN — If history is truly a predictor of the future, Trinity University and Taylor Campbell have some more great years ahead.
Campbell, one of the most prolific scoring machines in Rio Grande Valley girls’ soccer history, signed her national letter of intent Friday at Cavazos Sports Institute to continue her academic and athletic careers at the Division III school that competes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The “partnership” didn’t happen by chance. Campbell had visited the school on many occasions for Prospect ID camps. It was the perfect fit for the Edinburg Vela standout, whose decision was first based on academics, and soccer being an attractive additional incentive.
“The first time I went there, the summer going into eighth grade I fell in love with the school and coaches. The school is small and beautiful,” said Campbell, adding she plans to pursue a degree in political science. “They came to see me play finally and we were on the phone talking about committing and they offered and I was more than happy to commit.
“It was an anxious night that was supposed to happen Wednesday, but because of the weather it didn’t. I just wanted to express by thankfulness for everyone that helped me.”
In an unprecedented season — one that is on the heels of another unprecedented season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Campbell is one of three Valley seniors to have broken the previous scoring record, held by Sharyland High’s Katie Watson with 146. Campbell scored her 147th goal last week but hasn’t been able to add to that due to yet more challenges of the weird — this time a nearly week long winter storm that cut electricity and water to thousands of people in Hidalgo County alone.
Teammates, coaches, trainers and family came to what Campbell’s father, Mario Campbell, called an intentional invitation event. Among those was CSI owner Jaime Cavazos, who has trained Campbell for six years. He said he remembers when Campbell, who was always a coachable and hard-working athlete, took everything to another level.
“Honestly, it started from her junior year. I saw a switch flip and she started to come to training during season, and that takes a hard toll on the body,” Cavazos said. “She saw and believed that everything she was doing was working and she wanted to continue her training so she wouldn’t lose progress. She took it to a new level her junior year.”
Campbell wasn’t searching for a sport; it’s almost like it was calling out to her at an early age.
“According to my parents,” Campbell said, “I played my first soccer game when I was 4 years old and they could tell I was a natural the way I was moving through people and touching the ball. They said then that they knew they had to keep me in this.”
The SaberCats are undefeated this year at 6-0-1 and lead District 31-6A. They are at scheduled to return to the field for a 2 p.m. match today against Edinburg High at Edinburg Stadium.
“There was nothing to do over the summer so I was just training like crazy; going at it, and that helped me so much. Thankfully we are able to play. I’m a completely different player mentally and physically this year.
“Jaime has helped me a lot mentally and physically. That’s something I maybe didn’t have last year. He’s also the first one I go to when I need to discuss dumb soccer problems and he’s great to talk to as well with helping me with my speed and quickness on the field. I didn’t even think I could get to this level and now I just want to have fun for the next four years.”
Campbell is the daughter of Mario and Veronica Campbell and sister to Edinburg Vela junior Chase Campbell.
hmiller@themonitor.