Taylor McKnight
Taylor McKnightTAYLOR MCKNIGHT HAD PLENTY OF ROLE MODELS

Age: 17

High school: Douglas

College: University of Florida

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Taylor McKnight was 12 years old when she moved into Coach Michael Lohberg’s group.

All she had to do was look around the pool if she needed any added  motivation.

“The atmosphere was amazing,” McKnight said. “I definitely learned from watching the older swimmers before me. It really disciplined and motivated me.”

McKnight has been swimming competitively for nine years. The high school state champion started swimming when her family moved from Rhode Island.

“My dad got me into swimming,” McKnight said. “Moving to Florida with all the water and pools he thought it would be a good idea.

“He drove by the Aquatic Center and signed up for lessons with the lifeguards. Then I got private lessons. That’s basically how it all started.”

McKnight played basketball for three years when she was younger. Once she started swimming, she knew she had found her sport.

“I think I was always good at it,” McKnight said. “I liked the water. I was always taught to work hard. I was always trying to be the best at what I did.”

McKnight competes in the 100 breaststroke, 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly.

“I never was disciplined with my time until I started to swim,” McKnight said. “I think swimming helped me with that. It definitely helped me make friends.

“The scenery and atmosphere was so different when we moved down here. I think swimming helped me meet people and stay motivated.”

Her biggest thrill was winning a state high school title last year in the 400-yard freestyle relay. McKnight swam the second leg.

“That’s when I felt all the work was worth it,” McKnight said. “It was so exciting to win our first state title. It’s something I am always going to remember.”

McKnight hopes to major in pre-law, go to law school and be a sports agent after she graduates. She plans on leaving for Gainesville this summer (June 20) to get an early start.

“I want to swim my all four years there,” McKnight said. “I am going to enjoy school and training. Florida was my first college trip and when I saw it I committed right then. I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

“I am glad I stayed with swimming. Without swimming I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to go to this school. I want to improve, go to NCAAs and be a part of a future repeat of Florida as national champions.

“I am excited about the change, but I am going to miss Coral Springs and Michael a lot,” McKnight said. “They helped me become the person I am.”

Sharon Robb can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it