Student-athlete Kento Taylor excels on and off the field

Shadi Karimifard, Staff Writer, Liana Sabnani, Staff Writer, & Aryan Shetty, Photographer

Kento Taylor is a junior at Northview High School who balances his passion for speech and debate along with his loyalty to varsity soccer. Despite his commitments, Taylor excels in both areas, not only as a student, but as a leader.

Taylor has been playing soccer for over a decade. As the striker for the Northview Varsity team, Taylor plays a big role on the team. His coach, Sean Morgan, recognizes Taylor’s dedication to the game.

“There's a lot of times when we as a team aren't quite playing at our potential… That's when he speaks up. [He has a] dedication to wanting to improve not only himself, but the whole team,” Morgan said.

Taylor also sets aside time for his numerous AP and honors classes. Not only does he focus on his education, but he helps others excel as well.

“The great thing about Kento is even when he’s done with his work, he’ll help me with mine,” Ben Allen, Kento’s teammate and classmate, said.

Taylor not only holds himself to a high standard on the field but off the field as well. In addition to his rigorous coursework, he participates in many extracurricular activities, primarily excelling in speech and debate.

“Oftentimes, it is debate and soccer to the point where he is living and breathing those things, all the time,” Matthew Cekanor, speech and debate advisor, said.

Taylor tirelessly prepared for the national championship last year, and his hard work paid off when he won second place at the national level for policy debate. His efforts do not come without sacrifices, however, and Taylor often has to leave games early or miss them completely in order to make it to his speech and debate tournaments. 

“Kento has had to make some tough decisions this school year regarding balancing his commitment to debate and commitment to the team. I have no doubt in his commitment to both because he's communicated that with me,” Morgan said.