Freshman Taylor McCoy has a number of ties that led her down a path to WSU.

Taylor was a state champion swimmer at Pullman High School and swam for a club team owned by WSU swimming Head Coach Tom Jager. But her most unique connection to WSU is her mother Anne McCoy, who has worked for the athletic department since 2001.

Anne said she purposely avoided pressuring Taylor to swim for WSU, but is proud she chose to done the crimson and gray.

Anne said Taylor knew what she wanted out of college and she let her choose.

“She came to us one day and said ‘Mom I’m a Coug.’ ” Anne said, “It’s been wonderful to have her here and to be able to watch her home meets at Gibb [pool] … to actually have her put on that cap with the Cougar logo and be competing on behalf of WSU has been really special.”

The pair both have busy schedules, but they make time for family. They have a weekly family dinner, and sometimes they’ll go to breakfast together.

Taylor said she is grateful for the support she receives from her family, and that swimming has always been a way to bond with her mother.

“It’s been super cool, they’ve always been really supportive of my swimming and of me,” Taylor said, “so it’s really nice to have them here and at the home meets … it’s a nice feeling to look up and know that they’re up there and supporting you.”

Both Anne and Taylor shared things they have learned from each other. Anne said Taylor has taught her dedication.

“I think Taylor has taught me what it means to be truly committed to something,” Anne said. “Taylor truly looks at her goals and her outlook on life as an investment in something as opposed to a burden or a responsibility.”

Taylor said that her mother has taught her how to be selfless.

“An important quality that she has is that she’s always looking out for others and she’s always caring about others and that helps me a lot,” Taylor said. “Just kindness … and how much she believes in everyone around her.”