We look at the incredible journey of soccer player, Kau’inohea Solomon-Taylor, a Baylor University graduate and former Play Overseas athlete, who has recently signed with AFC Wimbledon Women.
After graduating from Baylor University in 2021, Kau’inohea Solomon-Taylor made a bold decision to continue her soccer in the UK by enrolling at Solent University through the help of Play Overseas. A move that allowed her to continue pursuing the game she loved while also working toward a master’s degree as a postgraduate student-athlete.
Upon graduating with her master’s degree in Sport Science & Performance Coaching in 2022, Kau’inohea decided to extend both her stay and promising soccer career in England. She joined Moneyfields FC of the Isthmian League South Central Division and wasted no time in making her mark, scoring an impressive eleven goals in just eighteen appearances during her debut season.
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| However, it was the 23/24 season that truly defined Kau’inohea’s rise. She cemented her reputation as one of the most formidable forwards in the National League’s fourth tier, netting an astounding 28 goals in 28 matches for the Moneys.
This extraordinary form didn’t go unnoticed, and in July 2024, she signed with newly promoted AFC Wimbledon Women. The team competes in the FA Women’s National League South, the third tier of the women’s football pyramid in England, below the FA Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship. |
| However, it was the 23/24 season that truly defined Kau’inohea’s rise. She cemented her reputation as one of the most formidable forwards in the National League’s fourth tier, netting an astounding 28 goals in 28 matches for the Moneys.
This extraordinary form didn’t go unnoticed, and in July 2024, she signed with newly promoted AFC Wimbledon Women. The team competes in the FA Women’s National League South, the third tier of the women’s football pyramid in England, below the FA Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship. |
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We spoke with AFC Wimbledon Women’s new forward about her recent move, her experiences as a student-athlete in the UK, and the advice she has for student-athletes considering making the same leap.
Congratulations on recently signing with AFC Wimbledon! Since graduating in 2022, you’ve stayed in the UK. Was pursuing a professional playing career always part of your plan after completing your degree?
“Thank you! I wouldn’t say the pursuit of playing professionally was necessarily part of the plan when I left for England, however, the journey has continued to open doors for me and I’m taking each year as it comes, enjoying every minute of it.
With experience playing across a variety of English leagues and competitions, would you say that the opportunities for aspiring professional women’s soccer players are increasing and that the game is still growing here in the UK?
“100% the opportunities are increasing and very present for aspiring soccer players. With the league tier system and the FA cup, there is a team for players at any level and funding for those teams to build their clubs up.
Women’s soccer has and is evolving at a rapid rate, not just here in England but globally. When England women won the Euros last year, that boosted the reputation and funding in women’s soccer massively and showed the world and country the quality of ball that was being played here.
| Born in Kamuela, Hawaii, Kau’inohea’s soccer journey began at Hawaii Preparatory Academy. Following an impressive high school career that included four consecutive BIIF Championships, as well as back-to-back state titles in 2013 and 2014, Kau’inohea joined Baylor University, where she excelled in both soccer and track & field. |
How would you describe your experience as a postgraduate student-athlete at Solent?
“My time at Solent was great; I was able to obtain a Master’s degree while simultaneously reigniting my soccer career post-college in the states.
In the Sports Science program I was enrolled in at Solent, I was able to gain so much practical experience in the field. I got to use and familiarize myself with tools and equipment used in the industry that has helped me feel confident and knowledgeable in the area.”
| Located on the picturesque south coast of England, the port city of Southampton became Kau’inohea’s home for the 21/22 season. Here, she not only made a significant impact on the field with her university team but also shone brightly for her local club, Eastleigh FC Ladies. Thanks to rules permitting student-athletes to compete for clubs outside their university, she played in the highly competitive Southern Region Premier Division, gaining invaluable experience, including competing in the prestigious Women’s FA Cup. |
Looking back on your educational journey and current success, do you have any words of advice to students who are currently considering the opportunity to play and study overseas?
“My advice to anyone currently considering playing and studying overseas would be to do it!
Yes, it’s a little scary and yes, it’s an adjustment in lifestyle. However, I think it’s so worth it to take the leap and experience something new. The amount of perspective and value that I’ve gained since being here affirms this is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.”
What was your experience like when working with Play Overseas?
“Play Overseas has been incredible! I have nothing but good things to say.
They have been communicative and helpful from day one and even now, years down the line, they continue to check in, congratulate, and keep up with me. They were the link between me and the university I attended here and without them, none of this would have been possible for me.
I’ve had a great experience working with Play Overseas and would recommend them to anyone looking to take a similar path.”
Want to study and play overseas like Kau’inohea? We are now recruiting!Kau’inohea’s ascent through the ranks of English women’s football is a powerful testament to the opportunities that a postgraduate year in the UK can provide. Her journey exemplifies how former US college athletes can use their experience in the UK and turn their dedication and passion for sport into a thriving career. With our free guidance and support, we were able to identify a number of suitable opportunities for Kau’inohea to continue her soccer career upon graduating from Baylor University. We were on hand to help her explore each option and ultimately decide on a school that aligned perfectly with her ambitions; to compete at a high level, and pursue her master’s degree. If you would like to benefit from our FREE service and explore the possibility of studying for a master’s degree in the U.K. alongside playing another year of college sport, register your details via the link below to see what exciting opportunities we can find for you! APPLY |
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