Lakewood soccer stars ink college choices

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Their season may have ended in the regional semifinals; but for Lakewood Ranch seniors Sarah Miller and Taylor Jo Salmon, their soccer careers are far from over.

On Feb. 9, Miller, a forward, and Salmon, a midfielder, signed national letters-of-intent to play collegiate soccer. Miller will play for the University of South Florida next year while Salmon is headed to North Georgia College and State University.

“It’s exciting, but I’m nervous at the same time,” said Miller, who led the team in goals this season with 33. “This is a big accomplishment for me. I’m the first one in my family to go off to college, but I’m excited.”
Salmon agreed.

“It’s a huge relief,” Salmon said. “All the tours and showcases I played in to get recruited … my sole purpose has been accomplished.”

Miller, who is looking at studying early childhood development, chose USF over Florida Southern University and the University of Florida.

“It was the best fit,” Miller said. “My mom went there, and my brother (Josiah) goes there. I also like the spirit they have there.”

Meanwhile, Salmon chose North Georgia College and State University for its small campus atmosphere and the impression she got from visiting the team. Salmon, who plans to major in marketing, business management or criminal justice, chose North Georgia College and State University over Georgia College, Western Carolina and Appalachian State, among others.

“It was a small campus, which is what I wanted, and I liked the bond that I saw between the team,” she said. “The girls seemed like a family, and that’s really what I wanted. It felt more like a home, and I could see myself there.”

Both Miller and Salmon will spend the next few months preparing and training before heading off to their respective colleges to begin the next phase of their soccer careers.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].