Invisible String [T.S-E.S BOOK ONE]

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What Do We Really Know About America's Sweetheart?

Written By: Danielle Barclay
March 4th, 2014

Taylor Swift has dipped her toes in the sports world and here's all you need to know about her and her soccer star friend.

Eleanor Slater, Source: USA Soccer, USWNT

Eleanor Marie Slater is an American Women's Soccer player born on October 4th in 1990. The twenty three year old has been in the soccer world for many years now, having begun her career at the youth National level on the United States U-17, U-18, and U-20 teams. She simultaneously competed at the collegiate level by playing for the UNC Tarheels and with her leadership on and off the field, the team was able to secure the NCAA Championship during her freshman year. However, like her National teammate and close friend Alex Morgan, Slater opted to graduate early and turn pro.

Eleanor Slater Facing National Teammate Kelley O'Hara for UNC, Source: UNC Soccer, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

She began her impressive professional career playing for the California Storm in Los Angeles, California. Despite being the youngest on the field, Slater was an immediate starter, a position she continued to earn as she averaged one to two goals via her own doing or via assist most games.

The most impressive part of her career yet, though, is definitely her call up to the National Team in 2012 as a part of the Olympic squad. Even though Slater did not start in the first game, she was subbed in at the half. After being subbed in, the young player was critical in securing the win. When placed on the field with Alex Morgan, it was clear to see the amount of raw talent split between the two players and when they worked together-it was quite the sight! Even after a nasty foul that left her covered in turf burn and blood, Slater continued to fight through the game until the bitter end.

Not only was Slater critical in that first game, but she also went on to start for the rest of the tournament. Her performance was especially notable in the final game in which she endured another identical injury. The injury did not stop her, though. Despite being covered in blood, Slater was able to continue on and even score her first National goal.