Taylar Merriweather had little interest or little knowledge in the sport of diving before she entered high school at Hazelwood West.
Much has changed with Merriweather in the last three years. She is now one of the top divers in the Suburban North Conference and a new school record-holder at Hazelwood West. Merriweather set the new mark by scoring 200.9 points in a dual-meet against McCluer North last week.
Not bad for a young lady who tried the sport for the first time three years because it was something different to do.
“I’ve been really surprised with how well I’ve done,” Merriweather said. “It was just something new, but I like to do it.”
“Taylar always likes to try new things,” said her mother, Angela Allen. “She wasn’t scared at all when she started diving.”
Before becoming a diver, Merriweather’s passions were gymnastics and cheerleading. She was involved in competitive gymnastics for seven years during her grade school and junior high years. As she entered high school, she was talked into giving diving a try by one of her friends on the gymnastics team.
She has proven to be a natural in the pool, much to the surprise of many around her.
“I think all of the gymnastics training has helped with my diving,” Merriweather said. “It made the adjustment easier.”
As Merriweather continues her gradual rise up the charts in diving, cheerleading continues to be the focal point of her athletic life. She is currently the captain of the Wildcats’ cheerleading team. She also competes in competitive cheerleader during the off-season as she is a dynamic tumbler on the mats.
As well as being a top diver, gymnast and cheerleader, Merriweather is also an outstanding student, with a 3.7 grade-point average. Now, that she has ascended to the No. 2 ranking in the Suburban North, her goal is now to qualify for next month’s state championships at the St. Peters Rec-Plex.
With Merriweather’s natural talent, focus and determination, I would not bet against her.
