Committed to becoming a better player both on and off the field, 16-year-old Taylor Shannik is one of British Columbia's top soccer stars. Recently announced as a BMO Soccer Spirit Awards winner, Taylor was honoured at her local BMO branch in Surrey, B.C. 

Earning a spot on the B.C. provincial team at the age of 13, Taylor led her team to the championship title — despite being cut from the team the previous year. A rigorous training schedule keeps Taylor on the pitch five-days-a-week, but you can find Taylor volunteering as a coach every Saturday with Blazin’ Soccer Dogs, a local soccer league for disabled children. 

“Working with disabled children provides me the inspiration to be a better person and soccer player,” said Taylor. “Watching the children learn is such a rewarding experience.” 

Currently playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Prospect team, Taylor has demonstrated desire to excel. Her hard work and dedication to the sport are a few of the reasons Taylor was nominated for the BMO Soccer Spirit Awards. 

As one of the six national winners of the BMO Soccer Spirit Awards, Taylor was awarded a $500 BMO Intuition RESP.

Past Winners:

Jessica Bradford of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Jordon Henwood of Peterborough, Ontario
Patrick Whelan of Burlington, Ontario