On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, sophomore Taylor Shell verbally committed to play Division 1 soccer at the University of Miami following her high school graduation. Shell began playing soccer at the age of three years old and has always dreamed of playing college soccer. This childhood dream is being fulfilled, as she has received an athletic scholarship to play at the University of Miami. Taylor is a forward on the U16 Richmond United ECNL soccer team and plays for the United States Youth Futsal National Team. Developed when both the Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers joined their respective U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy and girls programs, Richmond United is a part of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), developed to improve the development of the female youth soccer players in the United States. ECNL is the highest level competition for youth soccer. 

Several colleges, including the University of Texas, Virginia Commonwealth University, Dartmouth College, and West Virginia University showed interest in Shell, but ultimately, she chose to further her soccer career at the University of Miami. She said, “I am looking forward to playing in the best conference for women’s soccer (ACC) and studying exercise science/physiology.”. When asked why she chose the University of Miami, Shell said, “The academics, coaches, and the overall environment of the university is what swayed my decision over the other offers.” In addition to playing for Richmond United and USYFNT, Taylor will play for Midlothian High School on the varsity soccer team during the spring season.