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Tamayo Leads On, Off Field

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By CLIFF GILL, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 30, 2007

SPRING HILL - The Bishop McLaughlin girls soccer team is nearing the end of practice on a hot and humid afternoon. After more than an hour of conditioning exercises and simulated matches, some of the team members are slowing down.

"C'mon, let's gets focused. We can do this," breaks the silence. Immediately, the team responds and the energy returns for the remaining practice time. The words of encouragement come not from the coach, but from senior captain Shaila Tamayo. As she motivates the team with her words, the all-conference defensive sweeper is running full-speed trying to break up a pass. Being a positive force in words and action is her way of pushing her teammates to reach their potential.

"I'm passionate about soccer. Even practices should be done as if they were game situations. Being focused mentally is just as important as the physical conditioning," Tamayo said.

The Hurricanes have responded by starting the season with a 7-1 record. Coach Mike Zelenka credits Tamayo for much of the team's early success.

"Shaila is a great leader. She brings a tremendous amount of intensity and passion to our team. She also backs up what she professes by leading by example," Zelenka said.

Tamayo's work ethic has had a positive effect on the younger players. Freshman Taylor Maramara credits Tamayo for her improved play.

"Shaila's hard work pushes the rest of us to work hard. Because of her, all of us have become better players and have a better understanding of what's going on around us. Personally, she has helped take me to a higher level in every aspect of my game," Maramara said.

In 2006, the Hurricanes finished with a 7-6 record with three ties. Following the season, Tamayo received the Hurricane Award as the team's MVP. This year's team has sights on postseason play.

"As we work hard and play together, the wins seem to keep coming," she said.

Growing up in Bridgeport, Conn., Tamayo began playing soccer at age 7.

"My father, Jans, was one of the top soccer players in Colombia. He coached me for five years. I learned to play every position, including forward and goalie. He constantly encouraged me to be the best I can be, which will help me later in life," she said.

Tamayo, a multi-talented athlete, is a member of the school's varsity track and volleyball teams. She also plays club soccer for the Hernando Heat.

Her focus and intensity carry over to her studies, as evidenced by her 3.9 GPA. Tamayo's academic philosophy is simple: study hard and do the homework. She was recently recognized as Student of the Month at Bishop McLaughlin. Her goal in college is to major in pre-dentistry.

On weekends, Tamayo volunteers as a teacher of 12- to 15-year-olds at St. Joan of Arc Church in Spring Hill. As she enters the class, the students are eager to learn. Here, too, she is a positive force on youngsters.

Teachers and coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@

yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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