For many student-athletes, sports are more than just a competition. Sports help shape identity, discipline and daily life. For Sasha Taylor, a senior at the school, swimming became a source of peace, growth and connection that has guided her from childhood through her commitment to swim at Dickinson College.
“I first started swimming when I was probably in first grade,” Taylor said.
She began swimming recreationally abroad, but became more serious after moving back to the United States. This was where Taylor realized how much she enjoys swimming and being in the water. That love for the sport goes beyond competing.
“I like being able to clear my mind from everything in my life and just focus on the emotions and goals,” Taylor said. “I am able to separate myself, my school self and my social life, and just focus on other goals, and it really helps me have a better positive outlook. There are highs and lows in swimming, but at the same time, you know that it is within your power to change.”
Taylor has found peace within the water, and this appreciation for the sport has helped her stay committed and keep working hard.
“I was really in between if I was going to quit or if I was going to continue swimming,” she said. “I realized that I dedicated so much time and I have so many good memories, and the sport itself has helped me manage my life, my stress and school.”
This decision to continue swimming led Taylor to look for colleges that offered strong academics and a supportive environment. She chose Dickinson because she knew she wanted to attend a small liberal arts college, and it offered her major, international relations and law.
“I really fell in love with the campus, the team and the food,” she said. “The girls on the team are really fun and nice. The whole conference that the school was in was a perfect happy medium. You still have competition, but you could still stand out if you start improving.”
Taylor was also able to learn more about college swimming and Dickinson through her recruitment process. While initial phone calls with coaches were brief, campus visits made a lasting impression.
“When I started going on visits, it really made me excited, and going to these new places and thinking about what comes next. It was almost like really living life as a student there,” she said. “You really fully get to immerse yourself within college life and see if this is really for you, and the team atmosphere as well, it is just a really incredible experience.”
Most parts of being a swimmer are enjoyable, but like many athletes, Taylor has faced challenges. One of the hardest parts for her was overcoming disappointing races or meets.
“You put so much time and effort into the sport, and you focus, and you think you are gonna do well,” she said, “…And then sometimes your mindset can just really ruin the race for you. I really think it is hard, especially after, when you go back into the water and start over, but at the end of the day, the sport is meant to be fun.”
Balancing academics and athletics also requires significant discipline. Over time, Taylor has developed strong time management skills.
“You have to divide the time up,” she said. “Let us say you are preparing for a test and it is really important, it is okay to take a day off, but obviously don’t make that a habit. I would say it is really reasonable and manageable to plan out your schedule and prioritize certain things.”
Despite the challenges, the relationships Taylor has made stand out as the most rewarding part of swimming.
“I feel like the connections I have made through the sport are so strong,” she said. “It is also amazing that you get to meet people from different schools, areas and ages. I am really grateful and thankful for all my friends that I have made through the sport.”
Looking ahead, Taylor advises keeping an open mind when participating in sports in college.
“Sports are a great way to relieve stress and balance your time and yes, sometimes it gets hard, but at the same time that is part of life,” Taylor said. “I think it really helps and trains you, and keeps you mentally in check. Beyond physical exercise, the connections you make through the sport is what makes it wonderful.”
