Trinity Byars is one of the premier youth soccer players in America and has represented the United States at events in Europe and South America. Just a sophomore, she has already committed to the University of Texas for soccer.
But that's not the sport that Byars will be competing in Saturday at the TAPPS state track meet at Midway ISD's Panther Stadium in Hewitt. Byars will run the 100 and 200 meters, as well as on Shelton's 4x100 relay team.
Byars is tied for 27th in the Dallas area in the 100 with a season-best time of 11.94 seconds, and she ranks 22nd in the area in the 200 at 24.55. She won't have had much time to relax before the state meet, having just returned from a five-day stay in Colorado, where the center forward played for the Solar Soccer Club in a Development Academy Spring Showcase.
"It is a lot of juggling, with training and traveling and preparing physically and mentally to be able to do both soccer and run track," Byars said. "Something I love to do is compete. It is a lot of fun for me to be able to hang out with my best friends and represent my school."
Byars has played for U.S. national teams in four different age groups: U-14 through U-17. Last year, she played for the U.S. in the Under-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay.
"It is an honor to be able to wear the crest on my chest and play and represent my country," Byars said.
Byars doesn't play soccer for her school, competing instead for Solar in U.S. Soccer's Development Academy. She is a three-sport athlete for Shelton, though, playing volleyball and basketball in addition to running track.
To see information about the TAPPS state meet, go here.
Twitter: @DMNGregRiddle
