20 Inside Hokie Sports 99 Bradley Drive Christiansburg NRV Mall 540-381-8100 www.holidayinn.com/cburgnorth Full Service Restaurant Bar & Grill Game Day Catering. Dine in or Room Service Welcome Back HOKIES! “Coming in, I wanted to play with Tori Powell because she was a top goal scorer in the past, so if I got the chance to play with her we’d be able to set each other up for success.” Price and Powell were the Hokies top points leaders by the end of the season, finishing at 19 and 16 respectively. Together, the dynamic duo spearheaded an 5-0-1 start to the 2022 season. While the on-field chemistry was evident to Hokie fans, it was their comradery off the field that played a big role in the team’s success. “It’s all about our culture, everyone on the team is super close on and off the field,” Price remarked. “Learning how to play together, and in practice focusing on how we connect and what works best for each other is what helped us have success on the field this season.” Additionally, Tech’s coaching staff wanted Price to keep improving with every practice even with all the early success. They challenged Price to become the best version of herself. “They were hard on me and pushed me in practice because they knew that they wanted to see potential from me,” Price said. “They helped me so much by giving me the tools to be successful.” The constant motivation from teammates and coaches pushed Price to deliver for the Hokies in big moments later in the season. When the Hokies traveled to Raleigh, N.C., to take on the NC State Wolfpack, Price stepped up in a major way. In minute 62, Price scored the first and only goal of the match to lead the Hokies to a significant victory. “My favorite moment was the NC State goal because we worked so hard that game defensively, and we out worked the other team,” Price stated. “Scoring the goal to get the win for my team was so special because we deserved that win.” Three weeks later, Tech invited their in-state rivals, the then No. 13 ranked Virginia Cavaliers, to Blacksburg for an epic Commonwealth Clash. Price scored the opening goal of the night in what ended up being a 3-3 tie in comeback fashion for the Hokies. “The atmosphere of the fans and being here at home with the lights flickering and everybody cheering, scoring a goal against our rival team was one of my favorite moments.” Price said. Price’s consistent development led to an excellent freshman season with multiple ACC honors. First, Price claimed a clear spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team. She also was decorated with a special placement onto the All-ACC Third Team. The double dip in the ACC Women’s Soccer awards cemented Price’s season as one to remember. “I grew a lot and am a different person and player from when I first came here,” Price said. “I learned what it takes to play at the highest level and how to help my teammates succeed by getting involved in every play.” Price’s first season at Thompson Field concluded with the freshman scoring a team-high eight goals and an impressive three assists. Going into her sophomore season, Price has plenty of tools she’d like to sharpen for 2023. “I don’t focus too much on the highs. I don’t think I’m at the top and that I’m going to stay there, because it’s easy to fall off.” Price said. In a year of turnaround with lots of new faces mixing with the familiar guard, Taylor Price shined brightly as an elite talent for the Hokies. She made a name for herself quickly and vigorously worked to keep her name at the top throughout her freshman season. Price will be a fixture of Virginia Tech women’s soccer, and aims to lead the program to more success in the seasons to come. Taylor PriceContinued from page 19
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