Taylor Duffek is looking forward to new opportunities out on the soccer field and in the classroom. He’s spent the last four years perfecting his game as a forward for the Silas High School boys soccer team. With an Offensive MVP title under his belt, he’s excited to play at the next level as a Titan for Tacoma Community College (TCC). 

Here’s what he had to say about his time at Silas and his next steps.  

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?   
Soccer is my biggest accomplishment. We’ve done so much as a team these past four years. We took second place in the district championships twice and we went to the state tournament the last two years. I also won Offensive MVP this year.  

What are your plans for next year?  
Next year I am going to TCC for their EMT paramedic program and to play soccer. After that, I hope to work as a paramedic. Being a paramedic is fascinating to me. There is a lot that can happen on the job that other people might get grossed out by, but I have no problem with it.  

What's a challenge you've overcome?  
Coming out of COVID-19 was probably the biggest challenge we’ve had to overcome. We went from having all our classes online in 8th grade and freshman year, to being full time in-person as sophomores. During that time, I was still playing soccer, and since I live in the Lincoln District, I had to bus two hours each way to soccer practice.  

What are you looking forward to next year?   
I’m looking forward to a change of pace. I’m used to having six classes every day covering all different subjects. At TCC, I’ll be going to school with students of all ages and I’ll have classes at different times throughout the week. I’m excited to learn new things in the EMT paramedic program and to go into the health field.  

I’m also looking forward to playing soccer at the next level and playing with players much older than me. I’m a physical player so I can hold my own, but I know there will be a lot to learn. It’s going to be fun.  

Describe yourself in three words.   
Charismatic. Leader. Friend.