Many athletes at St. Edward’s University hope to take their game beyond the collegiate level and play as professionals. To achieve this, it demands a determination and drive for success that is unique compared to others. Being signed to a professional sports league is no easy feat, but two former Hilltoppers are making waves by doing so. Former SEU soccer players Andrew Fox and Josh Taylor were able to achieve their dreams through their strong will and talent.

Fox, who played on SEU’s soccer team from 2011 up until 2014, was recently signed by the El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship in April. Since the season’s start in March, Fox has been present in four of the five matches with his club.

Ranking second on the team in clearances and interceptions, winning four of five tackles and nine aerial duels, Fox has greatly exceeded the already high expectations he had set for himself during his time as a Hilltopper, which included being a two time All-American for the university. Fox recently returned to Austin to join El Paso Locomotive FC in their match against Austin Bold FC at Bold Stadium.

Taylor, who played soccer with SEU from 2013 until 2016, joined the Maidstone United of the English National League. During his time at SEU, Taylor became a 2015 All-American for the school, proving to be an exceptional player. Since then, he has participated in every one of the last seven competitions with Maidstone United. Competing for the England National Football C-team, Taylor has played the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 tied match against Wales. With these achievements, along with a total of 67 appearances for his former club, Sutton United, Taylor has assisted in paving the road for SEU athletes to prove successful beyond their time on the hilltop.

The respect for Fox and Taylor doesn’t stop with SEU students, but with the people they work with professionally sending them praise as well. Simon Walton, Taylor’s co-caretaker manager, has said of him “He’s the type of character who works hard and wants to do well and fits into the ethos we are trying to install into this group of players.”

Fox’s head coach, Mark Lowry said “Andrew is a high-level defender. He has a lot of experience in very difficult leagues and will be a great addition to our defensive unit.”

The successes of Fox and Taylor prove that professional athletic careers do not have to be merely dreams. If someone has the talent and the perseverance to turn their goals into realities, then they can excel in whatever their field may be. As Fox and Taylor’s legacies continue to grow, so will the determination of current athletes at SEU to make it into professional leagues.