Taylor West

#11 TEAM USA FORWARD

HOMETOWN: PRINCESS ANNE, MD

ALMA MATER: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

Why I Use STX

“I played with STX in college and absolutely loved it! I play with the Stallion 600 and love the ball control it allows me to have."

Accolades

• Named to the US National Team in 2016
• 2015 CAA Player of the Year
• 2015 NFCHA Second Team All-American
• Fourth all-time leading scorer at James Madison

Q&A

Q. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED PLAYING?

A. I picked up a hockey stick around the age of four. My mom was a high school coach, so I was always on the field with her and entertaining myself. However, I did not start playing organized hockey until 3rd grade.

Q. WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE (ANY SPORT) GROWING UP?

A. Michael Phelps

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR PLAY HUGE MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

A. I’d have to say winning three state titles in high school and then winning the CAA regular season title at JMU.

Q. WHAT SONG IS ALWAYS ON YOUR PREGAME PLAY LIST?

A. “Dream On” by Aerosmith is always a go-to song before games. We used to listen to it before every game in high school and I have ever since. It brings back a lot of great memories throughout my hockey career.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

A. I love any of the of the Harry Potter movies!

Q. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGER VERSION OF YOURSELF?

A. To trust the process and enjoy the small little moments throughout the journey. When things get tough, remember why you started playing in the first place!

Q. WHO IS ONE PERSON YOU (PAST OR PRESENT) WITH WHOM YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER?

A. Kenny Chesney

Q. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE CHANGED IN YOUR SPORT?

A. In the US, there are not many opportunities to play field hockey after college. It would be awesome to develop club teams like they have in other countries, such as the Netherlands.

Q. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAMMATE YOU’VE EVER PLAYED WITH?

A. Ah, it’s such a hard question to answer! I’ve had a lot of awesome teammates from various teams over the years. If I had to pick one person though, it would be Loes Stijntjes. Loes was one of the most selfless, hardworking, and humble individuals I have ever had the privilege of playing with.

Q. WHO IS OR WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HELPING YOU ON YOUR WAY TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE?

A. I wouldn’t be at the point in my career I am today with out my parents! They have been my biggest supporters throughout my career and given me the opportunities to develop as a player.

Q. DESCRIBE YOUR PLAYING STYLE IN THREE WORDS.

A. Calm, creative, and attacking

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE OR DRILL TO DO WHILE YOU’RE TRAINING AND WHY?

A. I love any type of shooting drill because of the creativity you can have!

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME MEAL?

A. Banana and peanut butter sandwich

Q. TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE.

A. “ It’s not the will to win that matters--everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” - Paul "Bear"  Bryant

Q. IF YOU COULD PLAY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

A. New Zealand