Student Athlete Of The Month: Jordan Dill

In soccer, there is an expression that hustle and heart set a team apart from the competition. Jordan Dill has brought both of those characteristics to the Severna Park Storm.

“Jordan joined the Storm in the fall of 2019 and displays the characteristics of a natural leader,” said Storm head coach Chris Rom. “She’s vocal on the field, but also leads by example with her work ethic at practices. The players and coaches all respect her ability and love her attitude and commitment to the team.”

With four of her five brothers having played soccer, Jordan, an 11-year-old Alaska native, has grown up with the sport and developed a natural leadership style.

“I communicate to my teammates a lot, so I tell them if there is someone behind them or something,” said Jordan, who plays center midfielder and striker. “I like to help them. Like Coach said, communicating is a really key point, and I’m really positive.”

That positive attitude helped Jordan contribute to her team’s strong Labor Cup championship run in September. The team went 2-1 before falling to the Severna Park Premier White 09G Hurricanes, 2-1, in a penalty kick shoot.

Jordan is enjoying the opportunity to play select soccer.

“For club you move around a lot, so you’re only with them for a year and then you switch teams,” she said. “For select, you stay with the same team, so you bond more with them.”

To better herself as a player, Jordan constantly works on passing and shooting. She said the Storm emphasize game situations when practicing. Practice, she insisted, is the key to making anyone a better player.

“You want to practice. Don’t give up if you feel like, ‘Oh, I’m really bad at shooting,’” Jordan said. “Just keep on practicing, because you will eventually get better. And listen to what your coach says. Don’t poke the ball with your foot. Use your laces.”

Jordan also enjoys playing basketball with her friends, and she pointed to the fast-paced nature of the game as her favorite attribute. Soccer, though, offers a different challenge. Because of futsal, the sport can be played year-round regardless of the weather.

“I like how competitive is, and I like shooting the ball because I feel like I did a good job,” Jordan said.

In partnership with The Matt Wyble Team of Century 21, the Voice’s Student-Athlete of the Month series recognizes the many student-athletes in our area who make an impact not necessarily by way of statistics or stardom, but by their unique contributions. Contact Zach Sparks at zach@severnaparkvoice.com to nominate a young person in our community making a positive impact through sports.