Taylor Cushenberry '22 Recruiting Profile

I know that I am ready to focus on higher education and running in college. 

I do not know what I want to study in college. I have simply not found an interest that is bigger than the others. Broadening my worldview is so appealing and there are so many subjects that I want to learn about. Of course, there are subjects that I find more interest in than others (namely, history, science, and language over math and writing), but from an objective view, I am generally well-rounded in school. Curiosity is a large part of my character and I have and will always strive to learn more about the world around me.

Throughout my high school years, I have been able to focus on pushing myself to the level of my competitors, and push above and beyond that. I had always believed that the people I surround myself were the reason for my success. However, during COVID-19, I had to reintroduce myself to running alone. Despite the huge obstacle this posed, I challenged my self motivation and enjoyed some new-found success when we were able to compete again.

Although I worked by myself during that summer, I still believe it is important to maintain an open mind and listen to others (teachers, coaches, friends, family, teammates, even strangers). I absolutely attribute a part of who I am and my successes to the people that surround me. Their expertise and knowledge have allowed me to go farther than I would have gone alone, and I work to give back and support them as well. I want to make an impact like they did for me and I am looking forward to something similar during college. I find value in connections and and would like to attend a school that will help me build a support system that allows me to enjoy what I do (both career-wise and in athletics).

While I want to focus on running, I am also a triathlete and swimmer. Training has always forced me into good time management. Each day brought a new challenge. After track practice, I would drive to the pool and swim on my own. Lots of mornings, I would wake up before school and hop on the bike. Somehow, I found time to do everything and still love to do it! And as time management is a great thing to have, a positive mindset is so  important and creates the optimal environment to succeed (and if done right, will change the world too). I have been told I have a strong/positive mindset and I hope that my future college teammates share that with me as well.

I believe these are necessary components in learning and competing at the collegiate level and I am ready to continue and expand on those habits.