photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Taylor Woods, right, and Lauren Woods are sharing a soccer field for the first time together for the Firebirds this season.

Taylor Woods has been the Free State girls soccer team’s leading scorer for several years. Now, she has a freshman alongside her who is equally adept at scoring goals: her sister, Lauren.

For the first time in their lives, Lauren and Taylor Woods play soccer on the same team. It’s something they’ve always wanted to do with each other, and now they have their chance.

This season will be particularly important for the Woods sisters because it’s their first and possibly last season playing soccer together. Taylor, a senior, will graduate in May, leaving the program in her sister’s hands. There’s more of a desire to win and play well together, knowing this may be their only chance to play soccer.

“This is her last year before she heads off to college, and we get to spend way more time together,” Lauren said. “Rides to practice, rides home, games together… we’re just a lot closer this past year because we do get to play soccer together.”

As sisters, Taylor and Lauren have an easier time being completely honest with each other. Communication is critical as they play alongside each other as forwards. They already have been able to play off each other to score — Taylor assisted Lauren in one of Lauren’s two goals in a 3-2 win over Shawnee Heights in their home opener on March 27. Add in Siena Schamberger as the other forward and the Firebirds have a strong attacking front line.

“All three of us have worked really well together,” Taylor said. “Finding each other, always looking for each other and connecting. (Lauren) is a strong player — a fast player. She’s very athletic, so she’s good all around. She’s a good addition, especially since she’s scored three goals (in the first two games).”

Communication is crucial in soccer. Players communicate in a specific, technical way that other sports don’t have during live plays. That makes the sisterly connection that Taylor and Lauren have even more special.

Being at Free State together brings positives beyond what happens on the soccer field. Lauren entered high school with someone beside her who could assist her as she navigated things like whom to sit next to at lunch.

“She’s really helped me and basically paved the way for me,” Lauren said. “I’ve just learned from her.”

Taylor had high expectations for her younger sister, although her immediate impact has been somewhat of a surprise. Taylor expected Lauren to be a little more nervous, but the freshman has confidently stepped into her varsity role. She started the season as one of the team’s best goal scorers.

“She has just played her game, and I’m proud of her for that,” Taylor said. “She is the same on and off the field. She has a strong personality, and she’s a strong player, so it correlates.”

Taylor is the Firebirds’ captain and has been a leader on and off the field for a few seasons now. Coach Joe Waldron said both are “intensively driven,” but Taylor, as a veteran leader, knows how to cut loose and have some fun at practices.

“Taylor likes to goof around a little bit more than her sister — Lauren is all business,” he said. “Taylor is all business when it matters, but she likes to goof around a little bit more, so she’s a little more mischievous.”

The Firebirds are still working out the kinks of their offense. Waldron said the team has a lot of good playmakers, with the Woods sisters at the top of the list, which is something new to the Firebirds. The team is figuring out its timing and is putting all the pieces together for a coherent offensive attack.

Last year, the Firebirds played in their first state quarterfinal game as a program. That gave the team a lot of confidence, even if it lost a number of seniors who contributed to that season. Young players like Lauren will need to step up and fill some of the gaps left by graduating seniors in order for the team to continue to progress further into the postseason.

That’s where the Woods sisters’ chemistry can be particularly effective. While they haven’t played together until now, they know each other well and can effectively complement each other.

“I can’t wait to keep scoring, since she definitely helps us score goals,” Taylor said. “I feel like we’re going to have a successful year, and we’re going to be satisfied with what we did.”