Girls soccer: Taylor's finale at St. Viator a winning one
With his brilliant 34-year career drawing to a close, coach Mike Taylor watched his girls soccer team from St. Viator give him the best going away present a soccer coach could ever receive.
The Lions' 5-1 defeat over St. Ignatius Saturday afternoon not only gave the program the Class 2A third-place state trophy, it would also add yet another terrific moment in a career that began in 1981 at Glenbard South with a stop at Fenton and then ending in Arlington Heights where he built a resume few could ever match.
"Aside from the victories, league titles, success at state, and so much more, what it all comes down to is the memories that will stay with me forever," said Taylor.
The South African-born Taylor took over the girls program in 2010, and promptly led them to a second-place finish at state, which would be repeated in 2018, sandwiched between a third-place trophy in 2012.
Between his time with the girls and boys program, which began in 1988, Taylor has amassed an astounding 701 victories, 13 state trophies, two state championships (2004, 2014), shared or won outright 14 ESCC titles, while sending dozens of players into the collegiate game, and one overseas (Jonathan Spector) to play in the English Premier League at West Ham.
"It's always been about the kids (first) and nothing else," said Taylor, who says he will remember fondly trips to Europe with both programs, long bus rides, jokes about hotel stays in various cities and towns, and so much more.
"We all love him - he's like a father figure to all of us," echoed seniors Lily Collins and Caroline Sexton, who, along with their teammates were sporting 'Taylor Made' T-shirts when they arrived at Fremd High School for their game with St. Ignatius.
"When we found out he would not be returning after this season, we all decided we would be playing each game for him with the goal of getting to state and bringing back a trophy," added the two seniors.
Collins will play between the sticks next season at St. Norbert, while Sexton, who netted three Saturday, will attend Texas Christian University.
"(Taylor) is tough on me sometimes, but he was always fair, and always made me feel like I belonged when he brought me up as a freshman. I am really going to miss him next season," said Emilie Doersching, who will lead a core of players back next spring for a yet to be named new coach.
The Lions (14-5-1) continued a long-standing tradition started by former coach Rory Dames where each player wore a 'lucky band' on their shoes with a name of a teammate.
"Again, we stress playing for each other and the team (first) and always," said Taylor.
"Mike was and is a great coach, who, if I had a daughter playing, I'd want her playing for him," said Gerardo Pagnani, who enjoyed great success with both Hoffman Estates and Fremd, and has remained friends with Taylor since they first met.
Taylor points to his 1996 team, led by All-American Nino DaSilva and Jarrett Payton as one of his best ever, along with the 2003 and 2009 team.
"I've had a great run, and who knows, if something else comes my way, maybe I'll be back," Taylor said. "I'll have to wait to see what is out there."