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10/15/2024 11:55 AMOne of the ultimate signs of selflessness for a team is when a player takes themselves out of their comfort zone to help make up for a personnel deficit at a position. For Dylan Hall, she went above and beyond to express her love for her team by assuming the complete antithesis of her prior occupation.
Dylan started out with soccer around the age of 5 and simultaneously played on the court with basketball, but then she dropped the latter around eighth grade to concentrate more on the former. While she played forward her entire career, she saw that the Branford girls’ soccer team needed to fill a void at another position. Now, the junior finds herself on the complete opposite end of the spectrum as a defensive leader and goalkeeper for the Hornets.
“I made the switch a few years ago, and I do not regret it one bit. It was the best decision I made,” says Dylan. “The biggest shift for me was the mentality for a goalkeeper. The other team has to go through everyone before they get to you, and so I have realized that when you allow a goal, it is not your fault alone. Developing skills was another adjustment and getting used to using my hands. I have the foot skills I acquired from being a forward that helps to keep me quick.”
Dylan is bolstered by both her immediate family and her home away from home. She explains that a clear and assertive mind is also crucial when it comes to performing at your peak and defying any seemingly insurmountable odds.
“I have had a ton of support from my family and coaches. [Head Coach Jen Kohut] is a great coach to me,” says Dylan. “I also go to practice every day needing to work 100% for that time. The mental aspect of it is such a big part, too. Without the mental aspect, nothing will happen for you. You need to have a work ethic, and visualize yourself doing great.”
As the last line of defense, Dylan can take it personally when she gets beat past her post one-on-one. Yet she keeps a mature head space by knowing everyone works, succeeds, and fails as a team.
“Again, I realize that there are 11 total players on the field, so when I give up a goal, I need to realize it is not my fault only. If a ball goes in or I make a mistake, I just brush it off and move onto the next play,” Dylan says. “I know I need to visualize myself making that great save or that great punt.”
Making those highlight stops in the pressure-packed moments are what Dylan lives for in the box. She explains that she can certainly bolster her attributes when it comes to getting the ball in the air, and so she is working around the clock to do just that.
“The best feeling in the world is making a diving save and knowing you were the person who did it,” says Dylan. “I have struggled with kicking and punting, but I have practiced by constantly kicking the ball. When you are a forward and score a goal, people run over to you and congratulate you. It is the same with the keeper when you make a save; everyone jumps up on you, and it is so great.”
Dylan took it upon herself to become a true leader in all forms after seeing the change in experience for the group in front of her. She conducts herself as a sort of coach-in-training–knowing that getting others to believe in themselves is the ultimate motivational tool.
“This year was a big step up because last year, I had an entire back line of seniors. Now, I try to be as vocal as possible and direct the girls where to go,” says Dylan. “The entire line this year are underclassmen, so I encourage them when they do well to build up their confidence. The confidence boost improves them as players. I try to build them up, and they usually come through because of that confidence they have.”
Kohut explains that Dylan is someone who looks to succeed in every obligation in her life. The desire to go above and beyond has also caught the eyes and praises of opposing teams and coaches.
“Dylan is an extremely hard-working athlete who not only excels on the soccer pitch, but in the classroom, as well,” says Kohut. “Dylan has improved significantly since her freshman year. She always puts everything she can into self improvement and puts in the extra time to hone her game. I have received many positive comments from opposing coaches about the skill level and great saves she makes. Dylan is becoming quite a leader on and off the field.”
The Hornets busted out against their local rival to secure their inaugural victory in the 2024 campaign. And while the girls are looking to stack those wins to move forward, Dylan concludes that there is another deeper objective within the confines of the club.
“We won our first game of the year recently against East Haven, which was awesome,” says Dylan. “Our next goal is to possibly make a run at states by winning some more games. If that does not happen, then as a team we want to develop as a group more. Then, we just need to build upon that to give us more success.”