Arrow Liver: World Cup Bronze Medalist-Jodie Taylor

Liverpool born Jodie Taylor has been around the block a time or two. And by the block, I mean the world. At 29 years of age, Jodie has played in Melbourne, Sydney, Ottawa, Birmingham City, Gothenburg, Corvallis, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Portland. Regardless of the jersey she donned, Jodie’s proven to be a true goalscorer.  Despite her consistent performances for whatever team she played for, the English national team overlooked her. Jodie dreamed of making the full team ever since she was a child, and despite not getting the call up, she was determined to receive an opportunity. She diverted her focus to showing up for her current team. With each season, Jodie learned and further fine-tuned her game. With a year leading up to the World Cup, Jodie got the call-up.  She was ready. When given her chance, Jodie did what she’s known to do; she scored goals. Her subsequent performances earned her a spot on the final World Cup roster. Jodie was ecstatic, having waited for this opportunity for over a decade. But just 6 weeks before the tournament Jodie suffered a ligament tear in her knee requiring surgery. With just over a month until the tournament, Jodie focused all of her attention on rehabbing. Despite not being physically 100% when the tournament started, Jodie capitalized on the opportunity she was given.

In the quarter-final against Canada, Jodie earned a start, and in typical Jodie fashion, she came up huge, perfectly tucking away a self-created break-away, giving England a 1-0 lead. The team then went on to win the third-place match, their best-ever women’s World Cup finish.

Jodie’s bronze medal serves as a reminder of her persistent, unrelenting pursuit to achieve her dreams, but her impact goes beyond the medal. England’s performance sparked an interest in woman’s football in their country unlike ever before. Jodie’s imprint in the soccer world has garnered a higher level of respect for woman’s football in England and will undoubtedly inspire young girls to follow in her footsteps.  Jodie is an Arrow Liver.

Name: Jodie Taylor

Age:  29

Hometown: Liverpool, England

Profession:  Professional soccer

Years playing:  14 (7 professionally)

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

Food

What is your morning routine?

It depends if I’m training or have the morning off. If I’m training I usually have eggs and a slice of toast or fruit. If I want to go on a run, I’ll wake up and have a quick shake, then after my workout I’ll come home and have a really nice breakfast.

If I’m not training, I have more time and will make toast with an avocado and poached eggs or pancakes. Then I’ll go out for a coffee and chill.

What did you love most about where you grew up?

The football culture. Being surrounded by football.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be true to yourself

Who is your definition of successful? 

Nadine. I can sit in a room with her and talk for hours. At the end of it you realize how big she is, but you don’t even notice. She is so successful,  but so down to earth. It’s pretty awesome.

Why do you do what you do?

Because I love it. I’m passionate and motivated. I feel fortunate that my job is something I am so passionate about. it’s given me so many opportunities as well

Is this where you thought you’d end up?

Actually yes it is. Playing professionally around the world.

How are you different than the average?

Probably having the drive to be better and succeed. I’m never really content or satisfied with where I’m at. If I have a good season, I say alright how can I get better and elevate my game.  I always want to push myself more.

How do you spend your free time?

Drinking coffee. I am such a foodie. I always want to scope out new food shops and coffee places. I also plan and organize a lot. I enjoy knowing my route and being organized. It helps me take my mind off of stressful things. 

What has been your biggest challenge? How have you managed this challenge? 

Not getting called into the national team for a long time. I wasn’t given the chance until Mark Sampson became the new coach, but it worked out well. I got to play in America, Australia, and Sweden. In a sense, I’m glad I didn’t get called up until I was older. I’ve grown so much not just as a person but also as player. So when I did get a chance, I was ready. It’s a proud moment to say I never gave up.

What is your most rewarding accomplishment?

Playing in the World Cup and making history with the England National Team. Part of that includes not giving up on my dream and staying committed and determined!

What do you wish you knew as a kid? 

To not let others opinions affect me. People will always have opinions. Whatever decision you make, you’re always going to be upsetting someone, so you might as well do what will make you happy. Also, to use both feet!

What’s your dream meal? 

Because I haven’t had it in a while, a Melbourne breakfast. I’d want a poached egg, avocado on a nice sough dough or potato hash. Or eggs benedict with the sauce on the side. And a good coffee. I especially love Melbourne coffee!

Who are three people you’d ask to dine with you?

My grandma aka Nanny Hedgehog,  my granddad,  aka Grandad Taylor, and my auntie aka Shirley. They all passed away when I was younger and I haven’t seen in a long time. It would be nice to spend time with them.

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

When I was a kid, my mom would always put our crisp and biscuits up high in the cupboard. One time, I climbed up to get them and was swinging on the cupboards, and the whole thing collapsed on me. It resulted in me breaking my nose and I have a scar because of it.

If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be?

The president of the United States.  Then I’d actually really know what goes on in the world. I think we are so sheltered from the truth!

If you could only keep five possessions what would they be? 

My passport, phone, photos, my world cup bronze medal, and money so I could buy everything else.

What skill would you like to learn and why? 

Mastering a coffee. Actually I would also like to be able to sing.  There’s enough good coffee places around. But being a phenomenal singer, or just being able to sing at all would be an amazing skill.

What is your favorite mobile app? 

Whatsapp, it allows me to call and text internationally for free. Also maps. I would be lost without it