Sophomore Baylee Greenwood is one of 12 returnees to the Salem soccer team that advanced to the USA South Conference Tournament Semifinals a season ago.
Greenwood capped off a solid freshman campaign, finishing among the top-five in four major statistical categories including goals (4—t-3rd), points (11—3rd), assists (three-t-4th) and shots (29—4th). She closed with 17 shots on goal.
Her collegiate career got off to a resounding start as she netted a goal and two shots at Bob Jones in the season opener on August 31. She followed with four shots and one goal in a 3-2 setback at Agnes Scott on September 8. During a five-day stretch in September, Greenwood amassed seven shots against the combination of Brevard (3; Sept. 17), Emory & Henry (2; Sept. 19) and Ferrum (2; Sept. 22). She capped off the month by dishing out an assist in a 2-1 setback against USA South Conference rival Greensboro (Sept. 28).
Greenwood's October began the same way her September closed, coming through with two shots in a 3-0 shutout of Meredith (Oct. 1) and four shots in a 4-0 triumph against Averett (Oct. 5). As the Spirits ended the regular season with an 8-2 win over Mary Baldwin (Oct. 26), Greenwood contributed a goal and two assists in the decision.
In her 16th start of the 2019 slate, Greenwood capped off a 2-0 win over Piedmont (Nov. 2) with three shots in the USA South Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. She followed up that performance with one shot in the 2-1 setback to Maryville (Nov. 8) in the USA South Conference Tournament Semifinals.
Greenwood recently discussed a number of topics to provide insight on her career both on and off the court. She made the following statements:
Name: Baylee Greenwood
Sport(s): Soccer
Who inspired you to play this sport and why? My parents pushed me into playing every sport when I was little, and soccer was the one I enjoyed the most as I got older. They would take me to every soccer camp, practice or game. I started playing when I was 4 years old, and since then they have never missed a game. I couldn't have done it without them!
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. When we had to come home, I had a lot more time to workout and play soccer. It also allowed me to get closer with my sisters!
Favorite Food: Either grilled chicken or salmon.
Favorite Class at Salem: My drawing class that I took last semester.
What is the one thing that you have learned most by competing in athletics that you apply in everyday life? I learned how important time management is when juggling school with soccer, and keeping a schedule set for both.
Best Salem moment in sports: When I scored my first goal in my first game ever playing at Salem.
Plans after I finish college: I'm not really sure yet but maybe work for an interior design company or be a personal trainer.
Superstitions that are in my pregame ritual: Before every game, I'll always watch goal scoring highlight videos from either the U.S. Women's National Team or any highlight video of Lionel Messi.
How did you pick your jersey number: I picked number 23 because Christen Press wears it and she is my favorite women's soccer player.
Favorite person to follow on social media: Christen Press
If you could travel anywhere where you would go: If I could travel anywhere It would be Costa Rica.
What made you decide to attend Salem: The soccer coaches and team made it feel like home. Salem also has a very tight knit community as well which I love.