Taylor Uhl, this year’s Eden Prairie High School Athena Award winner, has lettered in four sports (soccer, basketball, lacrosse and track), played in five state championship games and has won two state titles. In addition, she has a 3.97 grade point average.

Needless to say, she’s mastered the art of time management.

“It’s obvious that she’s a great athlete,” said Tony Bidwell, head coach of the Eden Prairie High School girls soccer team. “What’s more amazing, however, is her character. Not only is she humble and gracious, but you never know that she possesses this great athletic ability.”

You’d never know, unless you watch her play. Do that and it’s pretty obvious.

“She’s a game changer,” said Judy Baxter, Co-Head Coach of the Eden Prairie High School girls lacrosse team. “When she’s on the field/court, she makes things happen.”

During this year’s Class AA girls soccer title game, Uhl scored three goals in Eden Prairie’s 3-0 victory over Wayzata.

“You didn’t have to know soccer,” adds Baxter, “to know that she was the best player out there.”

To be sure, soccer is Uhl’s No. 1 sport. She’s been good to soccer and soccer has been good to her.

“I’ve been able to play in Holland, Belgium, Spain and Portugal,” she said. “The experience has been awesome.”

In terms of opening doors; soccer is why the University of Minnesota came calling (Uhl will be attending the University next fall on an athletic scholarship).

When asked to describe her game, Uhl hesitates. “Goal scorer I guess,” she said.

“She’s a finisher,” said Bidwell, “In my opinion, the best the state has ever seen.”

Ironically, soccer is why she participates in other sports.

“They provide the right balance,” she said, of basketball and lacrosse, “and, believe it or not, they’re somewhat similar. Besides, other sports mean not so much soccer.”

“She’s a competitor,” adds Bidwell, “pure and simple. “

Chris Carr, Uhl’s basketball coach, takes this one step further.

“She’s a fierce competitor,” he said. “At the same time, she’s the consummate team player.

“Whatever she does,” he adds, “she expects to win.”

On the surface, Uhl doesn’t appear nearly that intense. Underneath, it’s a different story.

“She’s a momentum changer,” said Baxter, “and I don’t think it’s difficult to see why.

“She’s has a lot of wonderful tools,” she adds, “She has amazing anticipation, she’s fast, she’s quick, she’s smart and she’s strong.

“In addition to her physical skills, she got great game-sense.”

LAST HURRAH

Uhl’s November began with her team winning a state soccer championship. It ended with basketball practice. Her middle March began when her basketball team lost in the Class 4-A title game. It ended with the start of lacrosse practice. Seasons transitioning into new seasons is all Uhl knows, having been that way for as long as she can remember.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that high school is almost over,” she said. “Already, there’s no more basketball.”

What does it all mean?

“I won’t get to play with that same group of girls,” she said.

Correction: She won’t get to win with that same group of girls.

Other Eden Prairie High School seniors nominated for the Athena Award include Elise Muench, Megan Platner and Claire Willick.