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Brylee Tagle: Crafting Excellence on the Soccer Field with Vision, Confidence, and a Passion for the Game

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At just 15 years old, Brylee Tagle has already carved out a name for herself as a dynamic and fearless force on the soccer field. A standout winger and occasional striker for GFI U17 DPL, Brylee combines speed, creativity, and relentless drive every time she steps on the pitch. From her earliest days in the sport at just 4 years old to earning a spot on a highly competitive DPL roster, Brylee’s journey reflects not only talent, but also a deep love for the game and a commitment to constant growth. With a mindset focused on learning, leadership, and leaving it all on the field, she’s a rising athlete to watch in the years ahead.

What first got you interested in playing soccer?
I started playing when I was 4 and I’ve loved it ever since. I fell in love with the game, the energy, and the way it always challenges me to be better.

How old were you when you started playing, and what do you remember about your first game?
I was 4 years old and I remember being so nervous at my first game ever that the coach held my hand while I ran. I’ll never forget it.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in soccer and why?
My biggest inspiration has been my mom. She’s always believed in me, pushed me to chase my goals, and supported me every step of the way on and off the field.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play right and left wing and sometimes striker. I love the speed, creativity, and being able to help create scoring opportunities for my team.

Describe your playing style in three words.
Fast, fearless, creative.

What’s been your favorite memory on the field so far?
Scoring the winning goal in a close game with my team cheering me on was definitely a moment I’ll never forget.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
I listen to music to get in the zone, stay positive, and focus on what I need to do. I also make sure to stretch before the game.

What’s your favorite soccer drill or practice routine?
I love 1v1 drills because they push me to be quick, creative, and confident with the ball.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I always listen to music, sing, and dance while warming up before every game. My teammates think it’s hilarious, but it’s totally my vibe and gets me in the perfect mindset to play!

What does a typical training week look like for you?
A typical week includes club soccer practice, plus private and group training sessions. I also do extra drills and conditioning at home to keep building my skills and staying game ready.

How do you stay motivated during tough times or after a tough loss?
At first, it was really hard, but over time I learned that each loss or tough time was just a lesson helping me get better as a player.

Who is your favorite professional player and what do you admire about their game?
My favorite professional player is Sophia Wilson. I admire her incredible skill, vision on the field, and how she stays calm and confident under pressure.

What’s your favorite professional team to watch?
San Diego Wave.

What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you?
The best advice a coach gave me was, “Play with heart, not fear.” It reminded me to trust myself and give it everything I’ve got.

What’s one skill or aspect of your game you’re currently working to improve?
I’m working on building my confidence and improving ball control while using my speed more effectively during games.

How do you balance soccer with school, work, or other commitments?
I stay organized and plan ahead to stay on top of schoolwork, and I make sure to set aside time for rest and recovery too.

What’s your proudest accomplishment in your soccer journey so far?
My proudest accomplishment so far is making the DPL team and continuing to grow as a player at a higher level of competition.

Have you ever had a setback or injury, and how did you overcome it?
Nothing too extreme.

What does being part of a team mean to you?
Being part of a team means having a second family. It’s about supporting each other, growing together, and working as one to reach our goals.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you?
Not really.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
When I’m not playing soccer, I love hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, volunteering, and spending time with my dogs.

What’s your go-to snack or meal after a match?
I love a good turkey sandwich or chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick.

If you could play a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Spain or England, just to experience the atmosphere and culture.

Where do you see your soccer journey taking you in the next few years?
I see myself playing college soccer, continuing to grow as a player, and chasing my dream of playing at the highest level I can.

What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?
Have fun, work hard, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s how you learn and grow. Believe in yourself and enjoy every moment on the field.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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We Speak Soccer

No Entry Allowed: How Austin Fortner Is Becoming a Standout Keeper with Confidence and Control

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From a four-year-old winger proudly holding up his fingers after each goal to a commanding presence in the net, Austin Fortner’s journey is one fueled by determination, passion, and resilience. Inspired by his stepdad and drawn to the vocal, aggressive nature of the goalkeeper position, he’s grown into a confident shot-stopper with a relentless work ethic. Austin currently plays for Lanier Soccer Association as a goalkeeper, where he continues to hone his skills and lead from the back. Despite early setbacks trying to make elite teams, his persistence paid off with a spot on an MLS NEXT roster. Whether he’s diving for saves, training through tough times, or balancing school with a packed soccer schedule, he brings intensity and focus to every aspect of his game all while staying grounded by his faith and love for the sport.

What first got you interested in playing soccer?
My stepdad is who got me interested in playing soccer. Before that, I didn’t really know what I wanted to play.

How old were you when you started playing, and what do you remember about your first game?
I was 4. I remember playing left wing and holding up a finger every time I scored. I would run along the sideline where the parents were and hold up my fingers each time I scored—eventually getting up to 10 and holding all of them up.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I play goalkeeper. I enjoy it because it’s a position where you can be very vocal and aggressive.

Describe your playing style in three words.
Confident, vocal, aggressive.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
I prepare by listening to music before the game and doing lots of stretches.

What’s your favorite soccer drill or practice routine?
My favorite soccer drill as a goalkeeper is volleys to my hands.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
No.

What does a typical training week look like for you?
I train Monday to Thursday with my team. Friday is goalkeeper training. Then games on the weekends.

How do you stay motivated during tough times or after a tough loss?
I stay motivated by training more and praying.

Who is your favorite professional player and what do you admire about their game?
Manuel Neuer. I love his ability to be a sweeper keeper.

What’s your favorite professional team to watch?
Barcelona.

What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you?
It’s not about the mistakes. It’s about how you react.

What’s one skill or aspect of your game you’re currently working to improve?
I’m working on my footwork to become more technical in goal.

How do you balance soccer with school, work, or other commitments?
It’s very hard, but I still find time. Mostly after school and before soccer is when I do my schoolwork.

Have you ever had a setback or injury, and how did you overcome it?
Yes. I struggled to get on an MLS NEXT or ECNL team and got denied a lot. But I kept working and pushing, and now I’m on an MLS NEXT team.

What does being part of a team mean to you?
Being part of a team means being part of a family.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you?
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” — Tim Notke

What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer?
I hang out with my friends and play video games.

What’s your go-to snack or meal after a match?
Chicken Alfredo.

If you could play a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Spain.

Where do you see your soccer journey taking you in the next few years?
In the next few years, I see myself playing collegiate soccer.

What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?
Don’t worry about what other people think.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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