West Lauderdale’s Taylor Slay is pictured Wednesday in the school’s library after signing to play tennis at Meridian Community College.

COLLINSVILLE — Philip Webster, Trey McClinton and Jase White have been West Lauderdale soccer teammates for the last four years.

Next season, the three will face off as competitors.

Wednesday morning, Webster officially pledged his commitment to East Central Community College, McClinton to Pearl River Community College and White to Holmes Community College during a ceremony in West Lauderdale’s library.

“I don’t know how that’s going to work,” Knights head coach Bryan Miley said with a laugh. “They know each other so well, and they’ve played together with each other so many years. They kind of know each others’ games, so they’ll probably know how to stop each other. They’ll probably tell the coach, ‘This is what you need to do to stop him, and this is what you need to do to stop this one.’”

White, who manned West Lauderdale’s center back position, said he’s eager to see his former teammates in opposing jerseys.

“I’m ready to play against them, and see how we play against each other,” White said. “We’ve played together all of our lives.”

Miley said he’s enjoyed coaching White at the high school level for the past four years.

“He’s been one of our center defenders for a long, long time, and he’s also played center mid for us,” Miley said. “Their work ethic and desire, that’s what has gotten them this far. It had nothing to do with me — it’s all them.”

McClinton, a center midfielder, netted 21 goals last season. William Carey University, Meridian Community College and other schools showed interest, but McClinton said he fell in love with Pearl River after touring the school.

“When I visited the campus, I loved the atmosphere,” McClinton said. “I heard of them winning championships years in the past. As soon as I get there, I plan on working hard, and just fighting to make it to the next level.”

Miley credited McClinton for being a key cog in West Lauderdale’s engine.

“He’s scored more than 20 goals for us this year; he probably scored more than 20 last year,” Miley said. “He’s been our leading goal scorer for the past couple years. He’s played center mid, he’s played striker; there’s nothing he can’t do. And everything runs between him.”

After playing soccer as a youngster, Webster took a hiatus to play football. Upon the suggestion of a friend who said the two should try out for West Lauderdale’s soccer team, Webster decided to give it a try. The two made the team, and at the end of his sophomore year, a conversation with Miley cemented his decision to focus on the sport full-time.

“Coach Miley talked to me and told me that he thought I had to skill to possibly go to the next level,” Webster said. “That kind of motivated me to further my experience with it. I started playing club soccer, also, so I could play year round.”

Webster’s work ethic and dedication to becoming a better soccer player, despite having a late start, left a positive impression on Miley.

“He played in the summer; he played all year long; he got better,” Miley said. “He was a starter for us his 11th grade and senior year. He played anywhere from defender to center back to wing back to wing on the offensive side.” 

Slay signs with MCC tennis

If last year offered any indication of what’s in store for West Lauderdale’s Taylor Slay, Meridian Community College is getting a budding player whose best tennis is in front of her.

After just one year of playing high school tennis, Slay’s talents on the court earned her a scholarship that will keep her in town to play for Eagles’ head coach Wanda McPhail. Slay made her commitment official Wednesday morning in West Lauderdale’s library. 

“I cheered for a couple years and I stopped, and I wanted to do something,” Slay said. “So I started playing tennis. When I first started taking lessons it was difficult, but I wanted to do it, so I just stuck to it and practiced.”

MCC’s proximity to Collinsville and McPhail’s reputation as a coach played a factor in Slay’s decision. 

“I’m excited to stay close to home,” she said. “I wanted to stay close to home for another year. I’m definitely excited to play for her and to (be a part) of a team as good as MCC, and to become a better player.”