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AUGUST 2018 31 cavalier profile TARYN TORRES Second-Year • Soccer In 2016, Taryn Torres was one of the last cuts for the U.S. Un- der-17 Women's World Cup Team. That moment proved to be pivotal for the second-year midfielder. "Being cut from the U-17 World Cup team forced me to take ac- countability for training habits every day," Torres said. "It made me realize you can never be complacent at this level because every other player is putting in 110 percent, not only at National Team camp but when they go home and train on their own." Torres went on to have a stellar rookie campaign at Virginia last fall, tying for the team lead with eight goals en route to third-team All-ACC and All-Freshman honors. Then this summer, she was one of four Cavaliers named to the U.S. team that will play in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France. "It was frustrating to be one of the last cuts [in 2016], which fueled my determination to come back and make the next World Cup team," Torres said. "It definitely was a turning point in my life that drove me to be the best every single day and not take my foot off the gas." Another factor in Torres' selection was the experience she gained while playing for UVA. "Going to Virginia was the best thing for my development as a player on and off the field," she said. "The training environment is always extremely competitive. Everyone is all in. Being sur- rounded by teammates who play at such a high level forces you to train hard, which makes you better. "Coach [Steve] Swanson also was a significant factor in helping me make the U-20 Women's World Cup Team. I learned so much about every aspect of the game through him and his vast knowl- edge of the sport." Being named to the U-20 World Cup Team did not exceed Torres' expectations. "I always thought it was something attainable, but I didn't really think about it too much," she said. "I focused on playing to the best of my ability and training. If it happened, it happened. "But I always thought it was attainable. It would take a lot of work to get there." — Mike Scandura Photo by Matt Riley/Courtesy UVA