This week we Take Five with Taylor Messler, a member of the very successful West Milford High School field hockey team. Taylor has some special people in her life, both at home and at school. And you might be surprised to know that Taylor has made it this far in life without noshing on an American classic. Be sure to go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, for our bonus five with Taylor.
1. What would most people be surprised to know about field hockey?
Most people would be surprised to hear about how we only wear goggles, shin guards and a mouth guard as protection. Some people say “That’s it? You should be wearing helmets!”
2. Who is your biggest inspiration?
This is a tough question because I look up to my entire family. If I had to choose, it would be my Poppop. He taught me how to be a good leader, to keep pushing myself, and to never give up. He always sends me emails about how great I did in my games and tells me how proud he is of me. He always teaches me life lessons and puts me first before himself. He looks at the positives in any situation and tells me to enjoy every moment in life. I couldn’t ask for a better grandfather! He truly is my inspiration.
3. Who is your favorite teacher of all time? Why?
I’m not just saying this because she is my coach but, Mrs. Provost has to be hands down, my favorite teacher. Mrs. Provost was my eighth grade history teacher. I have never been in a class that I never wanted to leave. She made class so much fun by having us dress up like people from colonial times, bringing a police officer in to “arrest” a student and by creating activities to make us understand lessons better. Mrs. Provost is a great teacher!
4. Share a favorite moment with your team.
It is very hard to pick out a favorite moment with my team. Every time we are together at practice or at a game, we always have something to remember to laugh at. If I were to pick just one, I would have to say when we beat our number one rival, Wayne Hills, 1-0 to proceed to the state sectional championship game. These girls played their hearts out and we were successful and won. Wayne Hills beat us two times prior to this game but third time around we were the winners. I couldn’t be more proud of my team. The field hockey team is truly the best team I have EVER been on.
5. Share something no one knows about you.
Something that no one knows about me is that I have never eaten a hamburger or cheeseburger.
Honest? Never? Well, the cows of the world appreciate that! And we are proud of you and your team for your commitment and for representing the township so well. Have a great senior year, Taylor!
Do you know someone who should be featured here at Take Five? Tell us who and why and send contact information. We want to feature all the great kids of the township.
Bonus Five
6. How did you get involved with field hockey?
I got involved with field hockey when I was in eighth grade when Coach Provost (who used to be my eighth grade history teacher) told me about a club that was going on throughout the school.
7. Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island?
Three things that I would bring with me on a deserted island would be food, water and my field hockey stick with a ball.
8. What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a Highlander means to do your absolute best in everything you do and represent your school in the best way. This means having good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
9. What do you do with your time, when you are not playing field hockey?
When I am not playing field hockey, I like to go shopping, spend time with my family and RELAX. I eat, sleep, breathe field hockey so it’s nice to have time to myself.
10. What is your favorite movie, book or character? Why?
My favorite movie has to be "Pitch Perfect." This movie is my favorite because it is funny and entertaining. I could watch this movie on replay all day.