Former Roberts Wesleyan College women’s soccer player standouts and twin sisters, Maya Rutland and Taylor Rutland, Kendall Jr. Sr. High School alumni from Kent, signed professional international soccer contracts in Ireland.
Some keynote program accomplishments during their time at Roberts include an East Coast Conference semifinalist finish in 2016, a top 10 national ranking from the NCCAA in 2016, and a historic win over a top 10 nationally ranked team vs. Mercy in the 2018 campaign – the first ever since becoming an NCAA Division II member.
In 2019, the Redhawks notched a win over a reigning NCAA national championship team at Bridgeport and a subsequent qualification into the NCCAA 2019 National Championships with advancement to the Final Four. In the classroom, the Redhawks team achieved four straight United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards from 2016 to 2020.
Maya graduated in May 2020 with a degree in History with Magna Cum Laude honors; Taylor also graduated in May 2020 with a degree in Homeland Security & Applied Intelligence and also with Magna Cum Laude academic honors.
Roberts Wesleyan head women’s soccer coach, Sarah McClellan was able to catch up with Maya and Taylor about their professional soccer career.
1. How are you doing in your new country?
Taylor: I am doing very well! As with every big move, there was an adjustment period but with how friendly people are here in Galway, I was able to settle in fairly quickly. Everyone from the coaching staff to my new teammates has been very welcoming, it’s hard not to feel at home. Ireland has been a place I’ve wanted to travel to for a while now so being able to see it in person has been amazing.
Maya: I am doing well! Ireland is a very unique and beautiful country with a lot to offer. Being a history nerd, Ireland is the perfect place to be with its culture being expressive of the country’s history.
2. Has it always been a dream of yours to play professionally? How does it feel to reach this milestone?
Taylor: It’s always been my dream to be a professional athlete from the time I was little. I can remember watching sporting events such as the World Cup or the Olympics back in the day thinking, wow I want to do something like that when I get older. To be here at the next level now is such an honor and a blessing.
Maya: Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I have loved soccer for as long as I can remember and am very competitive, so naturally, I want to reach the highest level I can. I think no matter what I accomplish I will always strive for more and want to try to reach my full potential.
3. What’s the name of your pro team? What is the league or federation the team is associated with?
Both: The name of the team is Galway WFC. We play in the Women’s National League (WNL), the highest level of women’s football in Ireland. It is associated with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
4. What are you most excited about being in a new country and for the professional season?
Taylor: The thing I am most excited about is learning and gaining more experience. We have several players and staff members that have been around the game for years and have worked with the Irish national team so there is a wealth of knowledge. Just being here for a little over a month, I have learned so much about the tactics of the game. We have a lot of talent on the team and I can’t wait to see how far we go this season.
Maya: I am most excited about experiencing a new culture and style of play. A number of our teammates have played for the Irish national team or at the underage level. Our manager and coaching staff also have years of experience playing and coaching at the highest level here, so it will be cool to see how I can develop further as a player and how I can help the team as we push to reach our goal of being at the top of the league.
5. What advice do you have for Roberts players that want to compete at the next level?
Taylor: My advice for Roberts players that want to play at the next level is to never give up and to always believe in your abilities. There will be ups and downs in your career but resilience is key. If you are consistent, have a strong mentality, and put in the extra work you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Maya: If you really love your sport and work hard you can make it happen. Look at every day, training session, or game as an opportunity to improve your game. Never become complacent and always be willing to put in the extra work. Having a positive mental attitude and believing you are capable of reaching your goals is also very important.
6. What are your long term future plans or goals?
Taylor: As of now, my long-term goal is to keep developing as a player and to stay involved in the game for as long as possible wherever that may be. I still have a lot to learn about the game and I’m excited to see what adventures that will bring.
Maya: I would love to continue playing for as long as possible and see how far I can go. After playing, I want to further my education. Coaching is definitely an interest of mine as well.
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