Junior Teia Horton has a number of responsibilities at Salem College, which include student, midfielder on the Spirits' lacrosse team, scoreboard operator and even DJ. Wait….(scratching noise like a 1980's rap song) DJ? Yes, DJ, because the ever-smiling Horton serves as the "master of sound" at Salem volleyball and basketball games and has the distinct responsibility of keeping her friends singing and dancing in the stands during intermission and timeouts.
Horton, who is originally from Fayetteville, N.C., would probably be more recognized for her outgoing personality and the fact that she is laughing and smiling. But, like all athletes, when she steps on the field the smiles turn to a more serious face and she takes the responsibility of playing lacrosse very seriously.
The 'flipping of the switch' into gameday mode was a positive one for Horton during the abbreviated 2019 season because she finished ranked among the top-five in seven statistical categories including goals (11—1st), shots (24—t-1st), shots on goal (19—1st), up goals (3—1st), free position goals (5—1st), shot percentage (.458—4th) and caused turnovers (7—t-4th).
Horton, who had three multi-goal games entering her sophomore campaign, opened the slate with a single-game career-high and team-high five goals in Salem's 16-15 victory over Randolph College on February 22, 2020. Not only did she manage a pair of free position goals in the win, but Horton netted a pair of goals during a 9:37 stretch of the second half, to provide the Spirits with a 15-13 advantage as the two teams ended regulation in a deadlock.
The lightning fast Horton recorded her second multi-goal game of the season in a tightly-contested 11-9 battle with Sweet Briar on March 1. She netted a team-high three goals and forced four Vixen turnovers in the game. Her final multi-goal performance of the year came in a clash with USA South Conference foe William Peace on March 7. Horton emerged with three goals in the contest, two by virtue of free position shots, after taking six shots (four shots on goal).
Horton recently discussed a number of topics to provide insight on her career both on and off the field. She made the following statements:
Name: Teia Horton
Sport(s): Lacrosse
Who inspired you to play this sport and why? My parents. They've always encouraged me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone.
Describe some of the things that you have done, while being away from campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, that have made an impact on your life. I got a brand new job where more than half of my co-workers and customers only speak Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish in a real world setting is amazing practice for me and helps me in my journey of becoming a fluent speaker.
Favorite Food: Sushi, Mexican Food
Favorite Class at Salem: Spanish with either Pepe or Ana. They are incredible teachers who are also so kind.
What is the one thing that you have learned most by competing in athletics that you apply in everyday life? You are not going to love or even like everyone that you work with in life. However, you must keep your mind focused on the bigger picture and utilize all of the strengths and talent available to succeed.
Best Salem moment in sports: Beating Randolph my sophomore year.
Plans after I finish college: Attend law school.
Superstitions that are in my pregame ritual: Listen to the same three songs on full blast on repeat until we leave the locker room.
How did you pick your jersey number: It represents my two brothers and I and it's the month I was born in.
Favorite person to follow on social media: Jackie Aina
If you could travel anywhere where would you go: Greece
What made you decide to attend Salem? The city of Winston-Salem and our small class sizes.