Alief ISD Winter 2025-26

TAYLOR GIRLS SOCCER

FEATURE

RISING TO THE OCCASION Chavez Maintains Composure In a Revitalized ATHS Program

\\ By Matthew Ogle

AS ALIEF TAYLOR EMBRACES A CULTURE SHIFT UNDER NEW HEAD COACH SIHAM EL-BJEIRMI — A FORMER LADY LION HERSELF — ONE PLAYER STANDS READY TO PROVIDE STABILITY BETWEEN THE POSTS. SENIOR GOALKEEPER EMILY CHAVEZ IS AMONG THE RETURNING VETERANS EL-BJEIRMI WILL RELY ON AS A PILLAR FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF PLAYERS AND HELP THE SOCCER PROGRAM RECAPTURE ITS FOOTING. Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both. When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS. ... VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete? CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.” VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience. CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.” VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge? CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.” VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far? CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”

Emily Chavez

ALIEF ISD \\ 39

vype.com \\ WINTER 2025-26 \\