In The Nest: Taylor Harris Set For Senior Swim Season
Medical Mutual
8/4/2022
Taylor Harris (Tiffin, Ohio) recently completed her junior season in the BGSU Swim and Dive program. Harris has been a consistent performer in the 100 Breaststroke, holding four of the program's top 10 times. She is three top 10 finishes at the MAC Championships and swam the breaststroke leg of two school-record medley relay teams.
Q: Did you go on any fun trips this summer?
I went to Canada with my family and then I went to the beach, which is always my favorite vacation.
Q: When did you start swimming and how did you wind up gravitating toward the sport?
I started swimming when I was 4 years old and swimming has always been part of my family. My grandma started my high school swim team and then my mom and both of my aunts swam growing up. My sister also swam at a young age and we grew up on the same team. She went on to swim for Toledo for her college years.
Q: What made you decide that you wanted to attend BGSU?
When I visited Bowling Green I loved the small town feel but also the feeling of it being a bigger college. After hearing what the swim program had to offer, it made my decision to come here easier.
Q: You have four of the program’s top 10 times in the 100 breaststroke and one of the top 10 times in the 200 breaststroke. Additionally, you’ve placed in the top ten at MACs on three occasions and earned MAC Swimmer of the Week once. What has been the biggest key to your success?
The biggest key to my success would be the belief my coaches and teammates had in me to achieve these accomplishments, as well as my family’s support through it all. Since I came from a small high school, I didn’t know what I was capable of, but the way my coaches and teammates have pushed me these past few years and have been by my side has allowed for my swim career to continue and make an impact for this program.
Q: How did you decide upon your major, and what are your career goals after college?
I am an Exercise Science major and after graduation would like to get a Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics. I chose this major because I have always wanted to interact with clients and be able to help their quality of life. This major allows me to apply my knowledge of the science and arts into a career. My career goal would be to help athletes who are amputees achieve their goals so I can continue my love for athletics.
Q: Last season, you raced on two medley relay teams that set program records. On top of that, you did it in your home pool at the MAC Championships. How did it feel to break those records?
Breaking both of the medley relay records this past season was one of my greatest accomplishments and being able to do it with my fellow teammates made the moment that much more special. Every day at practice I look up at the record board and now when I look up there and see my name it is just going to show me how hard work truly does pay off. It’s such a special feeling.
Q: You are from Tiffin, Ohio. What is something people should know about your hometown?
Tiffin is a small town but the downtown has some cute boutiques and coffee shops, as well as on Saturdays, there is yoga in the morning and live music in the evenings.
Q: What is your go-to restaurant in Bowling Green?
I would say Polleyes is my go-to restaurant. My favorite thing to get on the menu is the chicken breadsticks, especially after a swim meet.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
My family has inspired and encouraged me all these years growing up. When I was younger I was involved in many sports, whether it be running, swimming, or softball, and my parents, sister, and grandparents were always there cheering me on. They have all also helped me be able to have this opportunity in college to be on BGSU’s team and continue to support me at my college meets
Q: Where is your favorite spot on campus and why?
The business building is my favorite spot on campus because my teammates are always studying there and I always seem to be able to focus the most and get my work done. It’s always nice to be able to look out on campus.
Q: Describe Coach Perkins in one word.
Motivational.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the BGSU Swim and Dive program??
My favorite part of being part of the BGSU Swim and Dive program is the team atmosphere and the encouragement and support I receive from my teammates and coaches. Everyone on deck is always trying to make each other better and we all have the same goals in mind so that helps make the atmosphere during practices that much better and helps us achieve our goals.
Q: You are entering your senior year with the Falcons. What are your goals, both individually and for the team, for this season?
I am ready to make my final season as a Falcon special and coming off of such a memorable junior year, I am going to take that confidence and strength into this coming year. This year it’s a new team and a few new staff members, but one of our team goals over the years is to move up in the MAC, which we did this past season. Also, we always enjoy seeing the excitement of other teammates swimming personal bests and making lifelong friends through these college swimming years, because not everyone gets this special opportunity. Personally, I would like to see some time drops, place in the A final in both the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke, and contribute to the team MAC standings, as well as show leadership on the team.
