WSOC | Ravens recruit Stittsville native Taylor Dempster

OTTAWA, Ontario – Carleton Ravens Soccer is pleased to announce the commitment of recruit Taylor Dempster for the upcoming varsity season.

• Hometown: Stittsville, ON
• High School: Sacred Heart
• High School Soccer Club: West Ottawa Soccer Club
• Position: Attacking Mid
• Favourite National Team: Belgium
• Favourite Club Team: Manchester City

Accomplishments

• played a season of League 1 as a 15 year old
• Gatorade 5v5 Canadian champions
• Gatorade 5v5 World Championship finalist in Barcelona, Spain

Why did you choose to attend Carleton?

I chose Carleton because of it’s academic reputation and the many government and private industry co-op opportunities. My decision was made easier after spending a lot of time with Coach Dom, his staff and the team. When I first met the team, they were all very welcoming and friendly, I could tell it was a very positive environment and everyone got along really well.

What part about the Ravens team are you most looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to learning from Coach Dom and his coaching staff and winning a U-sport championship. I was impressed with his vision for the team and how it fit with my playing style. I am also really excited to meet my new teammates and be part of an intense but positive new learning environment.

How did you get started in soccer?

I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old because my parents were looking for an activity where I could burn a lot of my excess energy. I played recreational soccer for Goulbourn and I am still playing to this day.

What is your style of play?

I would say my style of play is possession with a purpose. I like playing that style and being direct when the opportunity is given. I would say my strong suits are passing, vision and the ability to read the play.

Is there a professional soccer player that you model your game after?

I try to model my game after Kevin De Bruyne, he is a very versatile player who excels in all aspects of the game and dominates offensively. I aspire to be a player like that, who positively impacts the game every time they’re on the field.

Describe your strengths and some areas for improvement.

My strengths are my vision and passing. Some things I need to work on are recognizing when to take the shot and not forcing passes.

Which academic program will you be studying and what is that of interest to you?

I am still deciding what academic program I want to study. It’s either law or criminology. I have always had an interest in law from watching shows and documentaries, I took a law class in high school and I found the material very interesting. Criminology seems very interesting, especially learning about the psychological side of the crime.

What extracurricular activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running and swimming. When I’m not on the field I really enjoy spending time in the gym or doing workouts outside. I also spend a lot of time with my friends and family. I like to get involved in my community and do volunteer services when the opportunity comes my way, I participated in fundraiser activities such as, Sleepout For Youth, Relay For Life and helping to coach young kids technical sessions at West Ottawa.