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Top Speed Files: The Taelyn Townsend Interview (Dillsburg, PA)

 


Name: Taelyn Townsend

Hometown: Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 5-6

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker

High School: Northern (PA)

Graduation Class: 2026

Travel Club: Keystone FC

GPA: 4.1

Status: Uncommitted

DILLSBURG, PA -- Taelyn Townsend is a 5-6 midfielder and striker from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. She's a rising junior at Northern High School, and currently runs with Keystone FC in the Girls Academy League. Townsend is a multi sport athlete, who also played a huge part in the Polar Bears' basketball and track & field programs.

In my own belief, I don't think anybody emphasizes the term "role player" more than Townsend. People think it's a bad thing to be a role player, across any sport, but in a team setting you need those individuals to help keep the pieces together. Even in a further evaluation of Townsend, she plays her tail off no matter what is being asked of her. Goes stride to stride using her length as a defender, quick reactions when locating the ball to find teammates, and can even blow past defenders using her athleticism. Townsend is a very high IQ prospect who is ready to take a jump within her soccer career.

What's even more impressive, though? Her character.

Always hearing positive things about Townsend's character, she's a person that everybody wants to be around. A family person, stellar in the classroom, can adapt to different environments and one of the biggest supporters you could have as a teammate, her character prevails as I've always heard great reviews. Townsend will be a great addition to any college program in a few years as long as she continues to take care of business, on and off the field, while being a stand up person.

The RPN caught up with the 2026 prospect on her soccer journey, summer preparation and the outlook heading into junior season. 

Taelyn Townsend Interview
When did you first start playing soccer?
"I started playing soccer when I was three years old. I got into soccer because my mom was my coach, and all my older siblings played. My sister and I were on the same team the second year I played, which made it more fun."


How would you describe your game from the skill standpoint?
"My game is fast. I like to receive the ball and take players on, while creating scoring chances for my teammates and myself. As a forward, I like to use my speed and to get up the sideline and get crosses into the box creating plays for my teammates. When I play as a midfielder I connect the defense to the attacking players. It is my job to receive the ball, keep possession, and start our attack quickly."


How was life growing up in Dillsburg?
"It is nice growing up in a small town because I really get to know everyone and feel a part of the community. When our high school team won districts, community members lined the streets to cheer for us, and the police and fire trucks escorted us back to the school. That was an amazing experience that you can only get in a small town."


How was sophomore year?
"My sophomore year was full of success and great teams. All three sports, we won a division championship and went undefeated in the regular season. In soccer we were 14-0, basketball 14-0, and in track 6-0 in the conferences. The team chemistry was amazing with all the sports and upperclassmen who included all within the work. We won a district title for soccer this year, and placed second in basketball at the Giant Center. I then went to districts for long jump in track. My teams also qualified for states in soccer and basketball, which was a good experience."

"Individually, I was honored to be named 2nd team All Conference in soccer this year. Even with all the achievements we had this year the relationships made with all the players has been the best. Looking up to all the amazing athletes who are such great leaders has been a blessing." 


You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"As I get ready for the next season, I have been doing strength and conditioning around four days a week. I have running workout programs for both my club team, and my school team. That I have been doing and will continue to do all summer. We are going to start summer kickarounds at 8 AM for twice a week until the end of the summer. In my own time, I like to get touches on the ball and take shots on goal at the park. This summer is mostly preparation for going into junior year with a lot of training every day."


Who is your favorite athlete and why?
"My favorite athlete is Simone Biles. She has always been my favorite since I grew up doing gymnastics. I always looked up to her. She is very determined, doesn’t let what others say about her get in her way and that’s why she is my favorite. She just does her own thing and doesn’t listen to others unnecessary opinions, which I find helpful to me as a teenager."


Who is your biggest role model?
"My biggest role model in my life is my mom. She is one of the hardest workers I know. My mom always taught me to be determined and go for what I want. She shows me how to overcome failure throughout life and gives me life lessons everyday without even knowing she does. Her work ethic and dedication to everything she does is something I really admire."


What is the outlook for your junior season?
"The best way to describe my mindset is focused and driven. I have been working really hard so that I am ready to step into bigger roles for my high school teams. Plus, I’ve been working on multiple positions in my club team to be very versatile. I am focused on always improving, and always doing whatever it takes to make sure my teams are successful."


Thank you Taelyn for taking the time to talk with me. Very glad you had this opportunity. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
"Thank you for having me, Tyreese. My words of encouragement is to just always try to be the best teammate you can. Realizing it’s a team sport, and to be happy when your teammates succeed also. Another thing is to hold yourself and teammates accountable, so the team can be the best it can be. Trust and honesty in sports goes a long way."


Media Coverage on Taelyn Townsend

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Keystone FC:


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Location: Dillsburg, PA 17019, USA