By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
YEATESVILLE — During the Washington Daily News’ annual holiday basketball tournament, Northside’s Taylor Woolard sprinted toward the scorer’s table, hurling his body for a loose ball. Woolard smacked hard into the table, but bounced up quickly and was ready for action.
Woolard demonstrated that same fire, toughness and competitiveness during every minute of the soccer season. The junior was a catalyst in leading the Panthers to a 12-7 record and a berth into the N.C. High School Athletic Association state playoffs.
Woolard, who finished with 26 goals and 10 assists, was named the 2009 WDN Soccer Player of the Year.
“It’s an honor,” Woolard said about receiving the award. “We came out and worked hard all year and did pretty good in the conference. There are some great players on my team, so getting the award is an honor.”
Woolard was also named the Player of the Year in the Four Rivers Conference.
Woolard, who said he would love to play college soccer, has a no-nonsense approach to playing the game.
“I want to win,” Woolard said. “I don’t like to lose.”
The forward, who was able to utilize his speed and soccer smarts into leading to several goals, praised his teammates for having a successful season.
“We were very strong in the first half of the season,” Woolard said. “In the second half we kind of let up. Overall, I think it was a great season. I think it’s the best season we’ve had at Northside so far.”
Woolard also praised his coach, Billy Bunn, for helping him to succeed.
“He’s a big part of my life off the field,” Woolard said. “He puts his time into (soccer) and it shows.”
Woolard’s parents, Melissa and Timmy Woolard, are another big reason behind the soccer standout’s success.
“They’ve always supported me,” Woolard said. “They’ve always been there for me.”
After having such a solid junior season, the big-time goal scorer is setting a lofty goal for next year.
“I’m going to have to work even harder next year than I did this year,” Woolard said. “We’re losing a lot of good teammates so I’m just going to have to work harder.
“I just want to help my team win. However many goals that takes, that’s what I’ll do.”