Benefit helps EOSC soccer player's family

Oct. 15--Jaleah Taylor made a lot of fond memories growing up in the Bahamas before coming to Oklahoma to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College to play soccer.

Where those memories were made was severely damaged after category five Hurricane Dorian ravished the island chain earlier this year and causing five feet of water to enter her Freeport, Grand Bahama home.

Her parents, Romeo and Tanya Taylor, and her two brothers, Jaleel and Jhalan Taylor, are now in reconstruction mode and having to replace numerous items in the residence.

To help the family with reconstruction costs, a benefit soccer game will be played against the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain BucksOct. 20 at EOSC with the proceeds going directly to her family to support their rebuilding efforts.

"I know many people/organizations on campus that Jaleah is a part of were wanting to do something to help," said EOSC Women's Soccer Coach Justin McCain. "Jaleah, although may seem quiet at first, has made a big impact on the campus community. She involves herself in a lot of different things on campus and the faculty, staff and students have all grown to love her. It's because of her personality, her character and genuine great attitude that has joined the entire campus community together to do something to give back to her."

Jaleah said she began playing soccer at the age of 12 and played her way up to representing the Bahamas twice in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in the under 15 division in 2014 and the under 17 division in 2015.

She came to play soccer at EOSC after a player from the college put her in contact with McCain, who offered her a scholarship.

"Quite frankly, playing at Eastern has been an adventure," Jaleah said. "By that, I mean there have been ups and downs, but the journey is always the valuable part. It is a learning and fun experience that cannot be felt outside of a team."

Jaleah is a mass communication major at EOSC and intends to further her education in film and media.

"I'm remaining motivated and positive to make the best of every opportunity I obtain," Jaleah said.

She found out about the benefit game being put together for her family after practice when McCain told her that he wanted to do it for her family.

"I was overjoyed, anxious, and emotional," Jaleah said. "Knowing that there would be some comfort brought to my family was relieving and heart-warming."

McCain said the EOSC community has placed a lot of time and effort into the event.

"It's been overwhelming for me to see how many people have volunteered to help, I can only imagine what it's like for Jaleah and her family to see the amazing support," McCain said.

He said all the food to be sold at the game was donated from individuals and business within the community and that several local churches have been taking offerings and plan on bringing church members to the game.

Along with donations from the EOSC and Wilburton communities, almost 200 shirts have also been sold with the money going towards Jaleah's family.

"It's one of the special, unique things about our little community that I hope becomes a blessing for Jaleah and her family," McCain said.

An EOSC representative said the National Junior College Athletic Association approved the event.

Contact Derrick James at djames@mcalesternews.com

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