My Hometown Magazine June 2022

June 2022

Your Westside Community Connection

The Food & Fun Are Back!

MAGAZINE

Friday & Saturday June 24th & 25th

A FREE COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE COVERING CHILI, CHURCHVILLE, GATES, OGDEN AND SCOTTSVILLE

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index 4

Digital Communities: The rise of local Facebook groups

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

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Rotary Sunshine Camp renovated through Wegman grant

Pubisher Keith Ryan

8

Byron-Bergen mechanic named employee of the year

Managing Editor Gary Sajdak Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com

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Virtual Summer Camp opportunities in Churchville

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Special Town of Chili Chil-E Festival Section

Contributing Writers & Photographers Barbara Burke, Daniel Hoock, Colleen Onuffer, Tami Raco, Joe Territo (Photographer) Advertising 585-352-3411 Rachael Blair ext. 139 Lori Antonelli ext. 133 Debbie Day Ext. 131 Tami Raco ext. 129 Mary Lou Rockow ext. 134 Gary Sajdak ext. 135 Ellen Stevens ext. 130 Production 585-352-3411 ext. 126 or 128 Vicki Caspersson, Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen & Suzette Coleman News Submissions: editor@westsidenewsny.com

13 Canalway Challenge underway along NY canals 14 A wrestling season 56 years in the making 15 Change of leadership at Churchville American Legion 16 A legacy learned at CC Elementary School 17 Roberts Wesleyan alums play pro soccer in Ireland

Cover Photos of Past Chil-E Fest events provided by Town of Chili Recreation.

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My Hometown Neighbors

Digital Communities: The Rise of Facebook Groups

by Colleen Onuffer Strangers and neighbors are developing into acquaintances and friends – sometimes without ever meeting in person. Hyper-local Facebook groups continue to grow in popularity, connecting individuals across neighborhoods and towns, and creating a digital sense of community.

One of these groups is Residents of Chili, run by Jason Marsherall and his wife, LeAnn. The couple started the group in 2016 for Chili residents to “share their successes, their questions and the things

Jason and LeAnn Marsherall.

they really love about their town.” Since that time, the group has expanded to 6,200 members who use it to share information about life in Chili, such as upcoming events or openings, or to ask for recommendations on goods and services.

Marsherall said, “The major benefit of a group like this is finding out more about the town you live in and the people that live there.”

This sentiment is shared by Emily Rein, Founder of Bloom Wellness and admin of Support Small Business: Rochester’s Westside Communities, which she began in February of this year. “I started the group because I saw a need to have someplace that specifically supported and posted about small businesses in our area,” she said.

Now up to 445 members, people use the group to share job opportunities, upcoming events, offerings and more. “The benefit of having a group like this is that it keeps local businesses on people’s minds and allows them to be informed of what small business options exist so they can consider shopping or dining locally whenever possible,” explained Rein.

“One of the best things to come out of the group is the positive feedback and reviews that people leave for local businesses,” said

4 | My Hometown June 2022

Rein, noting that 95% of U.S. businesses are considered small businesses and 75% of them will fail within their first five years of operation. “The main way that [small businesses] survive is by community support AND by each business supporting one another. It truly is a community effort.”

Support is key to the popularity of these Facebook groups.

Just ask Diane Cummings, admin of Chili Moms Support, which began in June 2021. “I want all moms to have a village Emily Rein of support and someone to call for help in their immediate neighborhoods,” Cummings said.

The purpose of Chili Moms Support is “to share whatever moms might need to take care of each other and their children,” such as supplies, activity ideas, advice, recommendations and emotional support. Cummings was inspired to create the group by her own experience becoming a parent and knowing moms who didn’t have nearby assistance from family.

“I think the group is so popular because moms need relief and they need community that won’t judge,” explained Cummings.

“Parenting can be an isolating and challenging time. The COVID pandemic intensified that. Our group is 415 members and continues to grow - I get five to 10 new member requests a week. We all benefit from connection!”

With isolation and negativity found in the world, people turn to these groups for relief.

Diane Cummings and family.

My Hometown Neighbors “We focus on the good and the kind in our group,” said Marsherall. “There are lots of review sites out there that can tell you about when things have gone wrong. We really try to focus on highlighting what people love.” Some of Resident of Chili’s most popular posts are ones that point out positives around town: “Thank yous for unexpected kindnesses like someone paying for someone else’s coffee or groceries tend to be very popular,” he said.

Describing Support Small Business: Rochester’s Westside Communities, Rein said, “It’s really nice to be part of a group that is encouraging and looking to lift others up – you see a lot of negativity in other groups, so I like that our group is the opposite.”

“There is a welcoming spirit here!” exclaimed Cummings of Chili Moms Support. “Through it all, having other moms who I can talk to and who say ‘Yes, me too!’ is my saving grace. Talking is therapeutic for me so I wanted to cast a wide net of people to talk to and who could talk to each other about the tough things about motherhood that were kept quiet in the generations before us.”

There are many positives that can come from these digital communities, for both the members and the admins running them.

“The best part of part of being an admin of a community group is seeing good things happening in real time,” said Marsherall. One such experience stands out in his mind. “One person lost a dog and posted about it, and a few minutes later someone posted that they had found the dog and they were quickly reunited. Having that scary moment replaced by a happy reunion is something that

The Residents of Chili Facebook group posts an occasional contest asking residents to submit photos of life in Chili to be featured as the group’s cover photo. The current contest winner was taken by Kathy Gatas of Chili. Kathy’s photo was one of 43 submissions. It received 18 votes out of 293 cast. Voting was done by reaction voting on the contest Facebook post. Provided photo

really makes me happy.”

Cummings said, “I love being the admin for this group because of the outreach – to feel like I am helping other people fills my heart.”

Rein spoke of her experience, “The best part is the new people you meet and connect with that you otherwise wouldn’t encounter in day-to-day life.”

Residents are encouraged to join and participate in these, and other, hyper-local Facebook groups or to start their own!

“There are lots of people in the community that care about each other, and the best way to build community is to take part in it,” said Marsherall.

My Hometown June 2022 | 5

My Hometown Volunteers

Robert B. Wegman Lodge at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp renovated through Wegman Family Charitable Foundation grant Campers at the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp will benefit from a newly renovated Robert B. Wegman Lodge and from a spruced-up camp, thanks to a grant from The Wegman Family Charitable Foundation and the volunteer work of Wegmans employees.

The Wegman Family Charitable Foundation granted $225,000 to renovate the Wegman Lodge, the camp’s gateway where campers are welcomed each summer. Renovations, which will directly benefit children with paralysis and other physical challenges who attend the camp, included: •Improved acoustics through new ceiling baffles that minimize loud sounds that can be challenging for children who have autism •A vinyl plank floor to improve safety through increased slip resistance •Installation of an energy recovery ventilator, in-system UV lights, and air conditioning to help campers with sensory issues by providing a cool place to eat meals •A new accessible stage ramp and refinished flooring •Kitchen improvements for safety and efficiency •A new picnic pavilion for increased dining space As part of Wegmans’ participation in United Way’s Day of Caring, Wegmans employees volunteered their time from May 16 to May 19 to help clean up the camp and get it ready for the summer. Nearly 150 employees participated in the multiple “Days of Caring” at the camp.

Rochester Rotary, Wegmans President and CEO Colleen Wegman, and Wegmans employees held a lodge rededication celebration on May 18.

“My Grandfather always had a special place in his heart for the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp and the amazing experiences they create for children with disabilities,” said Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets. “It’s been so incredible to see our employees come together to support the camp and its campers over the years, and it was particularly special for all of us to give back to this remarkable organization in celebration of their 100 years serving our community.”

Rochester Rotary Executive Director Tracey Dreisbach said, “Wegmans has a long history of supporting Sunshine Camp, from the Wegmans LPGA golf tournament to employee volunteer workdays. We are extremely grateful to the Wegman family for this generous grant and for Wegmans employees who devoted their volunteer time to our camp. Both these efforts will directly benefit the 2,500 campers with disabilities who attend our camping program each summer.”

2022 marks the centennial year of Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp, a fully accessible residential summer camp that serves children with disabilities and their families. Originally located on 23 acres of land near Durand-Eastman Park when it opened on June 12, 1922, the camp relocated to its current 157-acre site in Rush in 1974. Sunshine Camp provides a unique camping experience that area children cannot get anywhere else, including a fully accessible treehouse, a sensory center (Gizzi Family Sensory Center), a fully accessible playground (Shirley’s Playland), a climbing wall, zip line, splash pad, archery, boating, fishing, miniature golf, swimming, and arts and crafts.

Wegmans employees volunteered their time to help get the camp ready for summer. Provided photo.

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continued on page 7

My Hometown Volunteers

Robert B. Wegman Lodge at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp continued from page 6

Rochester Rotary offers a twoweek program at the camp to children with disabilities at no charge, through contributions from Rochester Rotarians and from the community. During the rest of the summer, the camp is enjoyed by campers from partner agencies, including American Diabetes Association, Camp Haccamo (supported by Rotary Clubs of Monroe County), Camp Joy, Cancer Support Community Rochester, EPI (Empowering People’s Independence), and Heritage Christian Services.

Provided information

Shown are (l-r) Rochester Rotary President Scott Rasmussen; Rochester Rotary Executive Director Tracey Dreisbach; Wegmans President and CEO Colleen Wegman; and Linda Lovejoy, Wegmans Community Relations Manager. Provided photo.

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My Hometown Schools

B-B mechanic named Transportation Employee of the Year On Thursday, May 12, Automotive Mechanic Jon Thompson was awarded the 2022 Rochester Area Transportation Supervisors Association’s Professional Pupil Transportation Employee of the Year for Byron-Bergen Central School District. Recipients of this award are nominated by their peers based on their good attendance, excellent driving record, willingness to exceed responsibilities, friendly disposition, and positive relationships with co-workers, students, and families. The District celebrated Thompson’s win with a Transportation Department luncheon and award ceremony.

“I’m so excited that Jon won this award,” said Transportation Supervisor Jaime Vindigni. “I really want everyone to know that he is so much more than a mechanic.

He maintains the Buildings and Grounds vehicles, he drives the buses when we are short of drivers, and he helps plow the snow Pictured are (l-r) Superintendent Pat McGee, Jon Thompson, Transportation Supervisor Jaime – he does everything and does it with an Vindigni, and Head Bus Driver James Bridge. Photo by Gretchen Spittler. amazing attitude.”

Included in Thompson’s list of accomplishments are perfect bus who are dedicated to providing safe and efficient services to the inspections two years in a row from the New York State Depart- educational areas of Monroe and adjoining counties located within New York State. It is a chapter of the New York Association for ment of Transportation. He has been with the district 14 years.

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Virtual summer camp opportunities in Churchville Churchville-Chili Continuing Education is offering a suite of virtual STEM summer camps from June to August for children ages eight to 14. The programs are provided in a partnership with Black Rocket, a national leader in STEM education for children.

Courses will be Monday through Friday, with a live instructor each day, small group coaching, and an online learning community.

Each week offers different age-appropriate classes in the morning and afternoon for three hours a day. Topics include Video Game Design, Coding, Animation, Minecraft, Roblox, 3D Modeling, YouTube, and more.

After health and the economy, education is the third greatest need to address post-pandemic. Richard Ginn, CEO of Black Rocket, said, “At Black Rocket we are all parents so we get it. We want to help Churchville-Chili Continuing Education empower kids to be creative in the summer.”

To register for online Black Rocket Youth Programs, visit https:// blackrocket.com/online/csd. For information only, email conted@ cccsd.org or call 293-4429.

Provided information

8 | My Hometown June 2022

My Hometown June 2022 | 9

My Hometown Community Events

No beans about it – Chil-E Fest returns after two-year pause Many think that the Town of Chili’s Chil-E Festival was started when the finest chili chefs in the area got together for a cook-off against fellow slow-cooker specialists from the area. In fact, according to Chili Recreation Director Mike Curley, the festival wasn’t named after a competition, it was just a play on the name of the town.

Now in its 33rd year (est.), the popular community festival is back on a new date and different location. After a two-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, the event will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 24th and 25th instead of the usual July 4th holiday.

At its inception, the festival on the third week of July was held

at the park where the new community center and sports fields are located now. When former Parks & Recreation Director Ron Fodge created the event, it was a four-day event and later changed to three days and grew in popularity. At that time, the town wanted to go in a different direction due to issues with the carnival vendor and moved the festivities to the former Chili-Paul Plaza location.

In 2007, the town elected David Dunning as Supervisor and the event took another turn…one for the better. “When David was elected, he and I got together to discuss the future of the event,” says Curley. “He suggested moving the event to July 4th and shut down Chili Avenue and grow the event even more! The change to

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July 4th resulted in one of the best-attended events in history. I was making a presentation on the main stage and could see wall-to-wall people up and down Chili Avenue enjoying the food, vendors, and entertainment.” Adding to the people in the immediate area, people were spread out all the way to Wegmans and the former K-Mart parking lots along with area side streets where people came from all over to enjoy the fireworks and beautiful weather.

This June, there will be some notable changes made to the event.

The new dates of the event will be Friday and Saturday, June 24th and 25th. The festival will be held in its original location near the new community center and sports fields. Parking will be one of the most important changes, as attendees will be asked to enter the festival off Archer Road (see map). The parade route will also change this year. The parade will start at St. Pius X Church and will continue westbound on Chili Avenue, ending at Chili-Paul Center.

The car show will be held near the community center where the tennis courts used to be, between the football/soccer field and

the softball field (see map). The entertainment stage will be at the north end of the football/soccer field and the vendors will be in the community center parking lot.

“It will be a little different this year,” says Curley. “There will be a few changes to overcome, but regardless, our community A message from is excited that the festival is back, and they Mike Curley, Town will come out and support it, because we of Chili Recreation have a great town here.”

Director. Click here Each year, the event is made possible with if reading online. the support of sponsors, vendors, and the dedication and help from the Town of Chili along with the Recreation, Highway, and Parks department staff and volunteers.

There are no beans about it…the Chil-E Festival is back and better than ever!

My Hometown June 2022 | 11

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My Hometown Recreation

Canalway Challenge underway along NY canals Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2022 to trace history and track miles on the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The free program invites participants to choose a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle, or paddle to achieve it and receive recognition.

The Canalway Challenge is open to people of all fitness levels and offers a range of mileage options, including 1 mile for people with mobility challenges, 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles. People can complete the challenge in one big trip or many small ones.

“The Canalway Challenge is a fun way for people to enjoy the incredible history and beauty along the waterway that transformed New York State and the nation. It’s also a great way to stay healthy, active, and motivated to achieve a fitness goal,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

The Canalway Challenge offers trip planning ideas, event suggestions, and information about sites to visit while completing miles.

A dedicated Facebook group provides a forum for participants to share their experiences.

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “We are once again thrilled to support the Canalway Challenge – a fun and unique way for people of all ages and experience levels to explore New York State’s canals and adjoining trails. This annual program is an excellent opportunity to showcase the multi-use canal and trailways while encouraging exploration and recreation, and we

New Yorkers are invited to sign up, choose a mileage goal, and explore the canals that transformed America. Provided photo.

look forward to welcoming all New Yorkers, from first-timers to seasoned adventurers, to take part in this year’s Canalway Challenge.”

Registration is open to individuals and teams. This year’s challenge runs through the end of October. Sign up at www. canalwaychallenge.com Provided information

My Hometown June 2022 | 13

My Hometown Sports

The 2021-2022 wrestling team. Shown are (l-r): front row – Michael Antonio, Evan Morse, Drew Hambley, Tyler Jeffers, Jonathan Jeffers, and Jeffrey Morgan; second row – Andrew Jeffers, Logan Morse, Sam Schulz, Cael Raines, Andrew Frost, and Justin Tennity; third row – Coy Raines, Trevor Weeden, Alexander Tomaszewski, Derek Koch, Jon Cullen, Jaxxon Cody, and Gael Sanchez. Provided photo.

A wrestling season 56 years in the making The last time the Churchville-Chili Saints won a Monroe County Divisional Wrestling Title was 1966. This was a time when some of the current wrestlers’ grandparents took to the mat for the Saints program.

Pictured are 19 of the Saints wrestlers who continue to help restore the Churchville-Chili wrestling program to prominence. Seated are seniors, Michael Antonio, Evan Morse, Drew Hambley, Tyler Jeffers, Jonathan Jeffers, and Jeffrey Morgan, who led this team.

Just nine years ago the wrestling program finished with a 1-22 team record and with a 12 person combined JV and Varsity team. Fast forward to this year’s team, where they recorded a 21-3 team dual meet record, have grown to a consistent upper 20s to low 30s JV and Varsity roster and a 17th NYS Dual Meet Large School ranking.

Most of this year’s team were not members of that HS team nine seasons ago, but many were part of the Churchville-Chili Junior Saints wrestling program during that inaugural reinstatement of the youth program. Every wrestler witnessed and participated in the slow transformation and restoration of this program as they progressed through the youth, modified, JV, and varsity programs.

Going back to 2014, the Saints wrestling program showed some glimmers of individual hope with NYS Tournament representatives in Josh Powell and Sam Eagan, both of whom earned All-State honors. But success at the team level would be a slow process. A

14 | My Hometown June 2022

process that was orchestrated as this group of wrestlers advanced through their Middle School, Junior High, and Senior High wrestling careers. In 2017, the Saints recorded their first winning season.

During the 2018 season, the program garnered their first of what would be three consecutive NYS Honorable Mention Rankings.

This year’s team broke a top 20 NYS Large School ranking for the first time and were ranked as high as 11th in the NYS Large School Rankings. In the last decade, the Saints have sent six representatives with four individual All-State honors at the NYS tournament.

Four wrestlers have gone on to compete in college at the Division III and Division I level.

Success was seen at the individual level as this was only the second time in school history where the Saints sent multiple representatives to the NYS tournament in senior Tyler Jeffers and sophomore Cael Raines. Along the way in winning the Monroe County Division II team title, the Saints posted team wins over divisional opponents Penfield, Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, and Irondequoit. The team finished in second place at the Section V Class AA tournament, which is the highest finish since 1978.

The program advanced a record 13 qualifiers to the Section V NYS Qualifier Tournament with Trevor Weeden, Derek Koch, Andrew Jeffers, Alexander Tomaszewski, Evan Morse, Jeff Morgan, and Gael Sanchez finishing in third through sixth place at the Section V Class AA tournament. They had a program best with six finalists in Drew Hambley, Tyler Jeffers, Coy Raines, Jonathan Jeffers, Jaxxon Cody, and an individual Section V Class AA champion in Cael Raines.

In May, the wrestling program celebrated their accomplishment with the update to the banner hanging in the HS gymnasium.

Provided information

My Hometown Veterans

Vice Commander John Connelly swears in the Legion Leadership team (l-r) Wayne McConnell, Dan Parker, Geoff Larson, Tony Torcello, and Ken Juergens.

Change of leadership at Churchville American Legion On April 28, the Churchville American Legion celebrated a change of leadership ceremony conducted by Monroe County Vice Commander John Connelly and Monroe County Commander Tom Puff. Ken Juergens assumed the leadership of the Post after serving as the Vice Commander. Juergens takes over from Gilbert Budd who has led the Post for the last ten years. Commander Puff awarded Budd a certificate of appreciation from the County Legion. Earlier this year, Commander Budd received a Monroe County award for his service from County Legislator Steve Brew during the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Veterans’ Luncheon.

Also swore into leadership roles were Tony Torcello (Vice Commander), Geoff Larson (Sergeant at Arms), Dan Parker (Treasurer), and Wayne McConnell (Adjutant). Two leaders not able to be present were Bill McWhorter (Chaplain) and Mike Morris (Historian).

Ken Juergens hails from Hilton where he is a Hilton Hall of Fame graduate. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and served in the United States Army for 25 years, retiring as a

Colonel after his brigade command. He retired as Senior Vice President of Colt Manufacturing as well as serving as a senior executive at Remington Arms, DynCorp, and Oshkosh Defense, where he was responsible for the M-ATV program, an up armored vehicle that was deployed in Afghanistan and saved numerous lives.

Provided information and photos

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Commander Tom Puff (left) awards Gilbert Budd (center) with a certificate of appreciation

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My Hometown June 2022 | 15

My Hometown Schools

A legacy learned at Churchville Elementary School The Churchville-Chili community has a proud, rural tradition that can still be seen in its many working farms and historic barns.

Almost half of the fourth graders at Churchville Elementary School say their families or friends own barns. This familiarity with old barns made these students perfect participants for an innovative educational opportunity focused on the question, “What good is a barn in the modern world?”

This question was posed by CES Library Media Specialist Katie Andres and art teacher Anne Clancy, who collaborated to design a Project Based Learning experience that challenged students to read, learn about history, think creatively, connect to their community, and become inventive problem solvers. Students began the project by reading “Barn” by Debby Atwell, a story that spans 200 years of American history, from the American Revolution through present day. They broke into small groups to research the historical events that happened around the titular barn, using a variety of digital resources in the school library. They discussed what they learned and made personal connections to the barn and to the history. “One student lit up as she shared details about her family’s 100-year-old barn with her classmates,” said Andres.

The collaboration continued, as Clancy invited the young barn enthusiasts to begin sketching barns to gain an understanding of their general exterior structure and design.

“We then presented the problem of our local Wells barns,” said Andres. “One of the few remaining Wells barns in our area just came up for sale. It was once part of a thriving farm, but now sits on a small plot of land and is in great need of repair to keep it standing.

It mirrors the situation of the barn in Atwell’s story.” Wells barns were built with a unique truss design patented in 1889 by Scottsville builder John Talcott Wells. Most of the elegant, cathedral-like structures were built in Monroe County, and fewer than 50 still

survive today. Visit www. wellsbarnhistory.com for more information.

As part of their art class, students learned more about the design of Wells barns and brainstormed ideas for adaptive reuse. Each proposed a new purpose for the barn and used different art media to illustrate their concepts. Solutions ranged from bakeries, libraries, and indoor soccer fields to special event One of the many conceptual barn drawvenues and skate parks. ings that will be displayed at the Chili On May 12, Town of Public Library this summer.

Chili Historian Pete Widener visited the school and shared archival images and a special presentation on local barns. He explained to students some of the difficulties owners face in preserving heritage barns. Time, weather, economic forces, as well as the changing nature of farming, have all been hard on the structures. Over the past 20 years, an alarming number of Chili’s barns have been lost forever.

Students asked questions and shared some of their own creative ideas for bringing new life to barns. They were encouraged by hearing that their artwork will go on display at the Chili Public Library in late June, hopefully inspiring others in the community to think about how barns can be saved.

Provided information and photos

CES students have questions for Library Media Specialist Katie Andres and visiting barn expert Town of Chili Historian Pete Widener.

16 | My Hometown June 2022

My Hometown Sports

RWC alums playing professional soccer in Ireland Former Roberts Wesleyan Col3. What’s the name of your pro team? What is the league lege women’s soccer player standor federation the team is outs and twin sisters, Maya Rutassociated with? land and Taylor Rutland, Kendall Jr. Sr. High School alumni from Kent, Both: The name of the team is Galsigned professional international way WFC. We play in the Women’s soccer contracts in Ireland.

National League (WNL), the highSome keynote program acest level of women’s football in complishments during their time Ireland. It is associated with the at Roberts include an East Coast Football Association of Ireland Conference semifinalist finish in (FAI).

2016, a top 10 national ranking 4. What are you most excited from the NCCAA in 2016, and a about being in a new country historic win over a top 10 nationand for the professional season? ally ranked team vs. Mercy in the 2018 campaign - the first ever Taylor: The thing I am most excited since becoming an NCAA Division about is learning and gaining more II member. experience. We have several playIn 2019, the Redhawks notched a ers and staff members that have win over a reigning NCAA national Maya and Taylor Rutland during their time at Roberts Wesleyan. been around the game for years championship team at Bridgeport and have worked with the Irish and a subsequent qualification into the NCCAA 2019 National national team so there is a wealth of knowledge. Just being here Championships with advancement to the Final Four. In the class- for a little over a month, I have learned so much about the tactics room, the Redhawks team achieved four straight United Soccer of the game. We have a lot of talent on the team and I can’t wait Coaches Team Academic Awards from 2016 to 2020. to see how far we go this season.

Maya graduated in May 2020 with a degree in History with continued on page 18 Magna Cum Laude honors; Taylor also graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Homeland Security & Applied Intelligence and also with Magna Cum Laude academic honors.

Roberts Wesleyan head women’s soccer coach, Sarah McClellan was able to catch up with Maya and Taylor about their professional soccer career.

1. How are you doing in your new country?

Taylor: I am doing very well! As with every big move, there was an adjustment period but with how friendly people are here in Galway, I was able to settle in fairly quickly. Everyone from the coaching staff to my new teammates has been very welcoming, it’s hard not to feel at home. Ireland has been a place I’ve wanted to travel to for a while now so being able to see it in person has been amazing.

Maya: I am doing well! Ireland is a very unique and beautiful country with a lot to offer. Being a history nerd, Ireland is the perfect place to be with its culture being expressive of the country’s history.

2. Has it always been a dream of yours to play professionally?

How does it feel to reach this milestone?

Taylor: It’s always been my dream to be a professional athlete from the time I was little. I can remember watching sporting events such as the World Cup or the Olympics back in the day thinking, wow I want to do something like that when I get older. To be here at the next level now is such an honor and a blessing.

Maya: Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I have loved soccer for as long as I can remember and am very competitive, so naturally, I want to reach the highest level I can. I think no matter what I accomplish I will always strive for more and want to try to reach my full potential.

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My Hometown Sports

RWC alums playing professional soccer in Ireland continued from page 17

Maya: I am most excited about experiencing a new culture and style of play. A number of our teammates have played for the Irish national team or at the underage level. Our manager and coaching staff also have years of experience playing and coaching at the highest level here, so it will be cool to see how I can develop further as a player and how I can help the team as we push to reach our goal of being at the top of the league.

Maya: If you really love your sport and work hard you can make it happen. Look at every day, training session, or game as an opportunity to improve your game. Never become complacent and always be willing to put in the extra work. Having a positive mental attitude and believing you are capable of reaching your goals is also very important.

5. What advice do you have for Roberts players that want to compete at the next level?

Taylor: My advice for Roberts players that want to play at the next level is to never give up and to always believe in your abilities.

There will be ups and downs in your career but resilience is key.

If you are consistent, have a strong mentality, and put in the extra work you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

6. What are your long term future plans or goals?

Taylor: As of now, my long-term goal is to keep developing as a player and to stay involved in the game for as long as possible wherever that may be. I still have a lot to learn about the game and I’m excited to see what adventures that will bring.

Maya: I would love to continue playing for as long as possible and see how far I can go. After playing, I want to further my education.

Coaching is definitely an interest of mine as well.

Provided information and photo

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