CEDAR CITY, UTAH – It is rare for most to live out their dreams, but for Rylan Tebbs, a member of the Southern Utah University Soccer Team, that is exactly what she is doing. 

"It has always been a dream of mine to be one of the players out on that field," said Tebbs. 

Rylan Tebbs grew up coming to SUU Soccer games often as a kid; she recalled the first game she ever attended was as a ball girl when she was around nine years old. 

"It was just so cool to be down on the field. Getting to see the players up close, I immediately knew I wanted to play on that field someday," recalled Tebbs. 

The process was fairly simple for Tebbs. She lived in town, so she made sure to attend every ID camp that SUU had. "I've been going to SUU camps ever since I can remember. I was just doing everything I could to get recognized by the coaches, " said Tebbs. 

When the time came, Head Coach Kai Edwards gave Rylan the opportunity to join the team a semester early and be in the program for the Spring Season. 

"It was an easy decision, really. I was excited to get started on this next chapter and knew I would benefit from the headstart." Said Tebbs. 

Coach Edwards said on her transition, "She handled it very gracefully. That can be scary; everyone is older, and you are fighting to prove you belong there."

Tebbs made an immediate impact on the program. As a true freshman, she started in 13 games and played the ninth-most minutes on the team.

The weight and gratitude she feels do not go unrecognized. "Playing in front of the home crowd is amazing. So many old coaches and teammates are coming out to support me, which is really special." Said Tebbs. She's also hoping to inspire the younger generation, "All the kids that come out and cheer for SUU, I hope they can see me and feel the same way I did when I was watching. That they can accomplish whatever they want to." 

Coach Edwards is very excited about Rylan's future. "She is starting to realize that her potential is far greater than she even thought it was."

Tebbs joins the Hunt twins, Rachel and Julia, as the third player from Cedar City to play under coach Edwards, and she is the true definition of a hometown hero. Growing up watching the Thunderbirds and now repping the name across her chest. 

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