By Blake Chadwick
Maize South senior forward Skylur Staley has cemented himself over the last couple of years as one of the best players in the state.
Part of the reason Staley is the player he has become is due to the mindset and mentality that he brings with him everywhere.
“I’d say one of my biggest strengths is my determination,” Staley said. “Even if my team is down, I believe there’s always a chance to come back.”
Staley has been a part of two state championships and a runner-up finish during his career as a Maverick. The senior has tallied more than 45 goals and 13 assists, earning all-league Co-MVP honors last season along with a first-team all-state selection.
“Skylur is a unique and talented soccer player,” head coach Rey Ramirez said. “The toughest attribute to find in a player is scoring ability. Goal scorers are difficult to find. Players with a top-tier finishing ability are rare. It takes talent, vision, composure, quality, and tenacity- and those words pretty much sum up who Skylur Staley is.”
The senior has worked his whole life to be the soccer player that he is now. Starting from the YMCA days, to now having a chance to be a high-level collegiate soccer player, all Staley ever did was work hard. A big piece of that work was instilled by his parents, and has trickled down to become just who he is.
“(My parents) support really pushes me to give my all every time I step on the field,” Staley said. “The main pressure I feel comes from wanting to meet their expectations. They always want me to put in 100 percent, and honestly, that motivates me. When my coach asks for something, like teamwork or specific plays, I make it a point to deliver. I actually like the pressure; it makes me want to step up my game and show everyone what I can do.”
