From Late Starter to Pro: How
Trevor Zwetsloot Helped Taylor Hamlett Chase Her Dream
When Taylor first laced up her cleats in sixth grade, she was years behind her peers. Most kids start soccer at four or five, and Taylor was learning the basics while others already had a near-decade of experience. But with hard work, relentless dedication, and the proper coaching, she transformed from a late starter into a professional soccer player.
Today, she's preparing to move to Iceland to continue her career—something she credits in large part to the elite soccer training she found in Tampa.
Starting Behind the Curve
Growing up in Mars, Pennsylvania, Taylor played soccer for fun at first. But by middle school, she joined a club team and quickly realized she was far from where she wanted to be.
"I was the worst on the team. I wasn't making travel rosters,"
Instead of giving up, she began weekly private lessons with her longtime coach, Greg, training every week from middle school through college. That commitment would become the backbone of her career.
A Tough Road Through College Soccer
Taylor's recruiting journey hit a significant roadblock her sophomore year of high school when she broke her back—the most critical year for women's soccer recruiting. She was sidelined for six months, missing her entire recruiting season.
Despite this, she made it to
Middle Tennessee State University, then later transferred to
Miami University of Ohio, where she found the coaching and environment she needed to thrive.
Playing Through Pain—and Pushing Limits
Her college career was a mix of triumph and adversity. During her final season, she suffered a severe ankle injury—torn ligaments and a dislocated fibula. Most players would have ended their season. Taylor didn't.
"I don't have an off switch," she says. "If my mind's set on something, I'm going to play through it."
Finding the Right Soccer Training in Tampa
After graduating and undergoing ankle surgery, Taylor faced a new challenge—transitioning from a full-time Division I athlete to being unable to walk without crutches.
Nine weeks later, she moved to Florida and connected with Trevor, a top soccer coach in Tampa who specializes in both technical development and injury recovery.
"Trevor pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed before. He helped me rebuild my strength, improve my technical skills, and gain confidence after my injury.”
Her Tampa soccer training program at Diesel Optimization was intense—four to five days a week in the Florida heat. Trevor not only refined her footwork, first touch, and shooting mechanics but also became a mentor and motivator through the mental challenges of recovery.
How Training At Diesel Optimization Changed Her Game
Taylor says the difference was night and day.
- Technical Skills: Breaking down every movement to maximize control and accuracy.
- Game IQ: Learning to think three steps ahead on the field.
- Physical Conditioning: Regaining peak fitness after major surgery.
The combination of professional-level training and a supportive coaching relationship helped her transition from college soccer to preparing for the pro game.
Advice for Athletes Facing Setbacks
Taylor's journey taught her lessons she hopes other athletes will take to heart:
"Not being okay isn't a weakness. Most injuries are out of your control. You're not failing—you're learning. Asking for help is not a weakness—it's how you grow.”
Now, with the confidence and skills built through soccer training in Tampa, Taylor is heading to Iceland to play professional soccer—a dream she's had since childhood.
"It hasn't hit me yet," she admits. "But I know I wouldn't be here without the training, mentorship, and support I found in Tampa."
Looking for Elite Soccer Training in Tampa?
Whether you're a youth player looking to sharpen your skills, a college athlete aiming for the next level, or recovering from an injury, Tampa soccer training programs like the one that shaped Taylor can help you reach your full potential.
Because in soccer—just like in life—it's not about where you start. It's about where you're willing to go.
