We caught up with Carrie Taylor for her World Cup Memories and her thoughts on Jamaica making it through to the knockout stage
The USL Super League caught up with Carrie Taylor, who was recently announced as the league’s Vice President of Operations. Taylor discusses her first memories of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as her thoughts on Jamaica making it through to the knockout stage for the first-time in history.
Taylor joins the USL with three decades of soccer experience, and was the first female assistant coach for a men’s professional team in the United Soccer League with the USL Championship’s San Diego Loyal SC. In addition, on an international level Taylor worked as a technical consultant and assistant coach for the Jamaica women’s national team where she prepared a three-year strategic plan for the future of the Reggae Girlz’ program.
Super League: What is your earliest memory of the Women’s World Cup?
Carrie Taylor: I had a poster of the United States Women’s National Team ’91 Champions on my wall. From there I had a couple full circle moments, such as having two of the players from that ’91 Women’s World Cup winning-team, Debbie Belkin in ’94 and Linda Hamilton in ’93, as coaches when I was attending the University of Michigan.
SL: Who is your favorite women’s soccer player of all time, and why?
CT: Linda Hamilton. She won the FIFA Women’s World Cup with the USWNT in ’91, and would later become my coach, friend and mentor. She was a hard-nosed defender, and helped lay the groundwork for where the United States Women’s National Team is today.
SL: What are you most excited about heading into this year’s WWC?
CT: I am most excited about watching the more countries than ever have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the biggest stage. Seeing debutants have the ability to shine at the FIFA Women’s World cup has been great.
SL: With the USWNT out of contention, who is your pick to take home the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy this year?
CT: I think at this point in time, I would have to pick Japan, but with so many upsets so far it will be exciting to see how the remaining matches unfold.
SL: How did you feel after Jamacia punched their ticket to the knockout stage for the first time ever?
CT: AMAZING! I am very proud of the challenges that the players have fought through. They are resilient, mentally strong and have shown their commitment to playing as a team. Every match the players leave everything on the field. They have been very organized defensively against France and Brazil. I want to give a big shoutout to the staff, to the players and especially to Cedella Marley for her investment in the Reggae Girlz, as well as the Reggae Girlz Foundation which has also played a big part in financially helping the team.