Craig, with new soccer role, signs with Emmanuel

Going into her senior soccer season for Veterans High, Taylor Craig took on a new role. It’s something she hopes will translate into a fine career beyond the Lady Warhawk program.

The defender-turned-midfielder signed a letter-of-intent last week to play college soccer with Emmanuel College, an NAIA program in Franklin Springs.

“It was the best fit for me,” said Craig, a part of Veterans’ teams that reached the GHSA AAAA Final Four two years in a row and the championship game last year. “I loved it. I thought the campus was gorgeous. Their academics are really excellent.

“I want to go into the medical field and become a physical therapist.”

Just from the standpoint of her young life, Craig said soccer has meant everything. She said it’s her everyday motivation.

“I want to be an inspiration to other girls,” said Craig, daughter of Becky and Eugene Craig. “To show them that they can become something more. Even when the odds aren’t in your favor, you can always keep trying. When it doesn’t look good for you, something can happen if you keep going.”

Craig followed that same kind of lead from former VHS goalkeeper Erin Harbison. She said she watched how Harbison went from being recruited by smaller colleges to gaining a Division I offer in New York. Though there are differences, she said the same kind of scenario is playing out for her.

“I think I’ve progressed a lot,” said Craig. “I put myself through a lot of obstacles by going out for a new position. I was the center defender, and I wanted to work on moving up with the ball and learn how to take shots … to help me with college. (Emmanuel coaches) let me know I’m going to be playing a lot and I needed to work on things, so I took it on myself to work on it during school ball.”

Craig now has felt the thrill of being a goal scorer and “it’s awesome.”

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