Taylor Sargent is making quite a name for herself in American track and field circles.
The indoor season concludes with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Track and Field Championships from March 2-4 Brookings, S.D. Sargent, the daughter of Dean and Shelley Sargent, will be competing in the 60-metre hurdles.
Born in Estevan, Sargent grew up in Carlyle and graduated from Gordon F. Kells High School in 2018. Track and field, volleyball and softball were her favourite sports. She started track in Grade 3 and hurdles in Grade 7. Her mother Shelley coached her all the way through elementary and high school.
Upon graduating, she was recruited for volleyball by Valley City State University (VCSU) of Valley City, N.D.
“In my second year I was given the opportunity to do track as well. I did both that year, and in year three switched over fully to track only,” said Sargent.
VCSU is a public university with an enrolment of 1,500. It is highly recognized for its sports programs, especially women’s athletics.
“My favourite track event is hurdles. I compete in the 60-metre hurdles indoors and the 100-metre hurdles outdoors. I also enjoy competing in high jump.”
At VCSU, Sargent holds the school record in the 60-metre hurdles, 100-metre hurdles, and the pentathlon.
“I prefer the indoor season because I love the 60-metre hurdles and it is my strongest event. I also like that we can train and compete inside. The weather elements don’t impact warmups and how I compete.”
Every summer, Sargent lives in Regina and trains with Deanna Wells at Adrenaline Strength and Conditioning to get ready for the upcoming season.
“The training has definitely paid off as Deanna worked with me on explosiveness and helped me come back stronger.”
Sargent, 23, is completing her fifth and final year at VCSU and throughout her schooling has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. She has also made the president’s list every year.
“My greatest achievement is qualifying for these national indoor championships in the 60-metre hurdles. Qualifying has been my goal ever since joining track in 2020.”
“I am really thrilled to be competing. I will have the opportunity to compete against the very best in the NAIA. I am excited to see what I can do and hopefully run a strong time. It will be a very competitive atmosphere and I can’t wait to take it all in. It will be a great way to end my indoor career.”
Sargent is graduating in May and plans on remaining in the United States. She will be looking for a job in the field of marketing.
