Schneider Sisters Impact Carroll Soccer

By Zach Warner

The Southlake Journal

Versatile Sometimes the best competition in the world of sports is found underneath the roof of the family home.

Siblings often have a way of pushing each other that brings out their best.

That competitive spirit is very much alive in Carroll girls soccer teammates - and sisters - Caitlin and Taylor Schneider. Watching the two playing together on the field, as well as competing against each other in drills, is a display of full-force effort and passion.

Sometimes, in the heat of training, it's a little more than the players or coaches bargain for.

"Our level of training, competitively, is pretty high anyway," said Matt Colvin, Lady Dragons soccer coach. "But when those two are competing, it's over-the-top competitive. But it's good for the rest of the team to see.

"The coaches have to stop [a competitive training exercise] sometimes because it seems like they're going to kill each other," Colvin said with a laugh.

That passion to be the best carries over to the siblings' performance on the field, as both players show the willingness and desire to do whatever it takes to help the team. Caitlin, a senior, and Taylor, a junior, have played whatever position and role the coaches have asked them to play during each of their years on varsity, which started as freshman for both.

Both are playing more of a defensive role for the Lady Dragons (10-5-3 overall, 4-3-1 in district before Tuesday), but both have played in offensive spots as well and continue to show an ability to create scoring opportunities. Caitlin is currently in a three-way tie for the team lead in goals, with five, due mainly to her ability to nail penalty kicks and other situations. Taylor has added a couple of goals this season as well.

"[Caitlin] has been in stressful situations for us, and anytime we need something big to happen, we look to her to help make that happen," Colvin said of the senior. "She just has a calm presence about her and the players on our team feed off of that. She's very even-keeled emotionally."

One of the best examples of Caitlin's ability to perform under pressure was when she was asked to man the goal her sophomore season after another goalkeeper was injured. She more than stepped up to the challenge, helping set a team - as well as state - record for shutouts with 24 (21 by Caitlin). Carroll won state that season.

"She has that attitude of, 'You put me where the team needs me and I'll do my best,'" Colvin said. "As coaches, you have to love that type of attitude."

Taylor, who has battled injury at times this season, continues to make an impact in various ways while on the field. Not only will her coaches move her depending on the opponent in order to take advantage of situations, but at different moments in the game, Taylor could shift from one place or another if needed.

"When you have a player that can change the game, you want her to touch the ball as much as possible," Colvin said. "We put her in the midfield to allow her to have chances to score and create opportunities. "Taylor's very technical. There's really no holes in her game. She's good taking on players, she's a good passer and she's good in the air."

Taylor competed in Portugal last week with her Olympic Development Program (ODP) Under-17 regional team, as the Carroll athlete could still win a spot on the nation's U-17 World Cup team.

Finishing Strong The Carroll girls soccer team already has a playoff spot wrapped up, but intends to finish strong and possibly move up to second place in 6-5A by the time the regular season wraps up on Friday.

The Lady Dragons played Hebron on Tuesday and now prepares to host Lewisville during Senior Night at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dragon Stadium. "We're not content," Colvin said. "We're excited and feel we've worked hard to get to this point. But our leaders know that our work is just starting to begin now."