NEW COMMIT: The University of Florida has kicked off its Class of 2023 recruiting with a big one, landing an in-state verbal commitment from Olympic Trials qualifier Andrew Taylor of Palm Harbor, Florida.
He told Swimming World:
“It is with great pride and humility that I announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and swim careers at the University of Florida. I would like to thank my coaches, my family and friends for all their support and love. Special thank you to the UF coaches and Staff for providing me this opportunity. The journey continues…..Go Gators!”
Taylor, who does his club swimming with Tampa Bay Aquatics, most recently competed at the Speedo Summer East Championships where he earned five best times and placed third in the 800m free, seventh in the mile, eighth in the 400m free, and ninth in the 400m IM.
Back in the spring, he won the 400m IM, 800m free, and 1500m free at the ISCA International Senior Cup before going on to collect gold in the 800m free, silver in the 1500m free, and bronze in the 400m free at the TYR 18&U Cup in Orlando.
His best times include:
- 1650 free – 15:13.87
- 1000 free – 9:05.00
- 500 free – 4:22.23
- 200 free – 1:40.58
- 400 IM – 3:51.51
Currently a junior at Countryside High School, Taylor is already a four-time individual Florida 3A State Championship finalist. He earned silver in the 500 free and bronze in the 200 IM as a sophomore while taking third and 10th, respectively, in those events during his freshman season.
He has also earned USA Swimming Scholastic All-American honors for his efforts in the pool and in the classroom.
Florida knows how to produce distance stars, so Taylor will be in good hands under head coach Anthony Nesty when he arrives in Gainesville in the fall of 2023. Although he won’t overlap with Bobby Finke and Kieran Smith, he’ll be able to train with Jace Crawford, Jack VanDuesen, and Oskar Lindholm.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
