Taylor Cheatham - Finding Footing

Taylor Cheatham, a rising star in collegiate soccer, is defined by more than just her performance on the field. A native of Plano, Texas, Cheatham has made a name for herself as a forward for the UCLA Bruins who is using her gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. An athlete with impressive character and humility, Taylor credits faith for guiding her to where she is today.

A native of Plano, Texas, Taylor says that her parents always made sure she spent time around church as she was growing up. “As a kid I attended church very regularly and I was involved in quite a few church activities like day camps and things like that.”

Taylor says, however, that over time she saw her faith begin to fade. Taylor noticed she was becoming increasingly unhappy, filled with doubts and wondering what the future looked like.

“I felt like my life overall was so inconsistent. And that related to the people around me, my relationships with them, my emotions, my view of myself, my performance on the field, and so on.”

As Taylor began searching for direction, she says she began to find her footing again in faith.

“It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year of high school when I started to kind of let faith back into my life,” Cheatham explains. “Once I did, I felt like the cloudiness and uneasiness I had been feeling for such a long time cleared up.”

Cheatham’s faith not only sustains her personally but also guides her in her journey with soccer. She says she no longer prays for outcomes, but instead she prays for strength and guidance to perform to the best of her ability, recognizing that God’s timing may not always align with her own.

“I had to understand that every time I got frustrated and I thought my prayers weren’t answered, it was all part of God’s plan,” Cheatham acknowledges. “Ultimately, I’ve come to appreciate that without any of those outcomes, I wouldn’t be the player that I am today.”

On the field, Cheatham’s impact is undeniable. In her time at UCLA, she has already made her presence known, appearing in 16 games and scoring her first goal in a game against CSUN during her freshman season. Her dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, earning her a spot in the U.S. National Team pool and recognition as an ECNL All-Conference selection in her years before UCLA.

For Cheatham, however, soccer is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about using her platform to make a difference.

“I hope to let people know that I’ve learned having bad days is okay,” Cheatham reflects. “Letting the things you can’t control weigh you down leads to a restless, unfulfilling life. Focus on what you can control and let God and His timing handle the rest.”

As Cheatham continues her journey both on and off the field, her faith remains her guide, allowing her to push forward with purpose and conviction. With each game she plays and each life she touches, Taylor Cheatham is not only leaving her mark on the world of soccer but also inspiring others to embrace the challenge and trust in God and His plan.