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Life does not always unfold according to plan. For resilient people, however, unexpected turns can become opportunities for growth.
Taylor Moore experienced that firsthand when both his academic major and athletic program were discontinued at Montana State University Billings. Determined to find a comparable path, Moore cast a wide net — ultimately discovering the right fit at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Since transferring, he has thrived both academically in environmental studies and athletically on the soccer field.
“I consider all of this a blessing in disguise,” Moore said of his unexpected college pivot. “I love it here.”
“I would recommend UW-Superior to anyone looking for a strong education and a great athletic program,” he added. “I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. I love the nature, the parks and Lake Superior. It’s almost been a fairy-tale scenario for me.”
Roots in Montana Shape a Love of Learning and the Outdoors
Moore grew up in Billings, Montana, where his passion for athletics and outdoor recreation began early. His mother, Jen, worked as a high school math teacher before becoming a school counselor, while his father, Will, is a paint technician. Moore is the oldest of three siblings, with a younger brother, Nathan, and sister, Megan.
A close-knit family made staying close to home for college an easy choice. Drawn to the natural world, Moore selected environmental studies as his major, with a focus on geographic information systems (GIS). He was also recruited to play men’s soccer, allowing him to pursue both passions simultaneously.
A Sudden Setback Becomes a Turning Point
After two and a half years at Montana State Billings, Moore encountered what he called a “double whammy.”
“First, the men’s soccer team was discontinued,” he said. “Shortly afterward, I learned that the environmental studies program was also ending.”
Faced with difficult news, Moore sprang into action. He researched schools offering both his academic interests and competitive soccer, contacting nearly 30 programs.
“I literally found a map of schools with my program that also had athletics and started reaching out,” he said. “One of those schools was UW-Superior.”
After multiple conversations with head men’s soccer coach Joe Mooney, Moore felt confident he had found his new home.
“Coach Mooney gave me comfort and support — both academically and athletically,” Moore said. “It became clear that UWS was the place for me.”
He officially transferred in spring 2025.
Finding Community, Opportunity and Success at UW-Superior
Although unplanned, Moore’s transition to UW-Superior was seamless.
“Montana has a very similar climate to Superior,” he said. “Being on the UWS men’s soccer team gave me an instant sense of family and helped me feel at home.”
That sense of community translated into success on the field. The Yellowjacket men’s soccer team went undefeated in conference play last fall and advanced to nationals.
Off the field, Moore embraced academic opportunities as well. He secured a paid research position with Professor Andy Breckenridge in the Natural Sciences Department, studying ancient glacial activity in the Lake Superior region.
Moore also conducted research with Raymond Lee, assistant professor of environmental science and GIS.
“We worked on delineating the boundary of the St. Louis River Area of Concern as it relates to pollution mitigation,” Moore said.
His work was presented at the St. Louis River Summit, held March 3–5 on the UW-Superior campus. Moore hopes to eventually publish his findings in an academic or scientific journal.
Faculty Praise Highlights an Exemplary Transfer Student
Lee offered high praise for Moore’s academic performance and work ethic.
“Taylor quickly acclimated and thrived here at UW-Superior,” Lee said. “He is nearly finished with his independently designed major in environmental studies and a minor in GIS. He completed my GIS courses at the top of the class and is conducting undergraduate research with outstanding results.”
Lee added that Moore’s ability to balance academics and athletics sets him apart.
“On top of excelling in the classroom, he played on an undefeated men’s soccer team,” Lee said. “Taylor is an exemplary transfer student — and an exemplary student overall.”
Looking Ahead With Purpose and Possibility
Moore will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and a minor in GIS. While his long-term career plans are still taking shape, his passion for research and positive impact remains clear.
“I really enjoy research,” he said. “The idea of being part of positive change — for both people and the environment — really excites me.”
Moore is also considering where he would like to live and work next. With his younger brother, Nathan, set to attend UW-Superior in the fall, staying in Superior is an appealing possibility.
Gratitude for the People Who Made UWS Feel Like Home
Reflecting on his journey, Moore credits the UW-Superior community for turning an unexpected detour into lasting success.
“I owe so much to the people here,” he said. “Coach Mooney, Dr. Breckenridge, Dr. Lee, my fellow students, professors and advisors — they’ve all helped make Superior feel like home.”
Moore’s story is a powerful reminder that when one door closes, another can open to opportunity, growth and fulfillment.