Taylor Coleman is a UCA senior who currently holds four school records in track and field. She represents the Bears in the women’s long jump, triple jump and four by four hundred. 

In each of these events, Coleman holds a school record. Her records include indoor long jump at 5.93 meters, indoor triple jump at 12.32 meters, outdoor triple jump at 12.79 meters, and indoor 4×4 with a time of 3 minutes and 48.95 seconds. 

Coleman said that she was elated after breaking her two most recent records, but she stayed focused on preparing to break her own personal records. 

Aside from breaking records, her proudest and most memorable moment in her collegiate career was when she made it to the first round of NCAA nationals in the 2021 outdoor season for triple jump. She said competing with high-level athletes made for a fun experience. 

During her time in the UCA track and field program, Coleman has seen growth both personally and athletically. 

“I started off my collegiate career very unmotivated and lost. I was underperforming and not reaching my goals. Now, every goal I have made has been met if not overachieved,” Coleman said

She said that she is grateful for the ups and downs because they made her the athlete she is today. 

Track and field coach Beau Theriot said if he had to describe Coleman in one word, he would choose “dedicated.”

“She’s very dedicated to her craft, and she wants to make herself better in any way she can. Coming in as a freshman she had a lot of growth potential, and she has well exceeded our expectations. Not only that, she puts the work in in the classroom as well,” Theriot said.

Coleman is a health science major who dreams of becoming a veterinarian. She currently works as a veterinarian technician and plans on going through veterinarian school after graduation. As of right now, Coleman has no plans of continuing her athletic career after graduation; however, she said she would if the opportunity presented itself.

“It makes me pretty sad knowing my collegiate career is coming to an end when I have been playing this sport for 15 plus years. Although, I am very proud of myself for finishing strong and accomplishing so much before it all came to a close,” Coleman said.

Theriot said having athletes like Coleman is what every coach wants. There is no doubt that Coleman has had a successful athletic career over her past four years with the UCA track and field program. She is a record-breaking athlete who has worked hard to accomplish goals and represents the track and field program well. 

“To my family and friends, thank you for the unconditional love and motivation through these years at UCA, To my coach, thank you for never giving up on me, and to my fans thank you for the support! Go Bears!” Coleman said.