University of Houston Athletics
Houston Swimming Coach Earns Master's Degree Mid-Season
1/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Jan. 7, 2011
HOUSTON - University of Houston head swimming coach Mark Taylor did more than get his team ready for the second half of its schedule this December. The ninth-year coach graduated with his Master's of Education in Physical Education.
While coaching full-time, Taylor posted an overall 3.75 GPA to earn his master's degree in just three years.
"It took a little longer than usual, but sometimes I wasn't able to take any classes because of how busy things were," Taylor said. "Then I might have to wait a whole year to take that class. That was the difficult part, but it was well worth it. The Health and Human Performance Department at the University of Houston is outstanding. Dr. (Norman) Olvera and Dr. (Demetrius) Pearson were two that I got to take several classes from, and they were just incredible. I'm almost envious of kids today, that get to go through it again."
A year after earning a B.A. in Recreation Management at Arizona State University, Taylor accepted the head coaching position with the Houston swim team. Continuing his education was always a goal, and although the time demands of coaching pushed his goal back, he refused to let it stop him.
"It feels awesome," Taylor said. "I was the first person in the Taylor family to earn a college degree so to also earn my master's degree is something that I longed for. My wife has her master's degree and is very successful, and I wanted to do the same to show my children how important education is. I have two boys and both of them were thrilled to hear that daddy graduated and with a really good GPA. It was something good for them."
By finding a way to reach his goal, Taylor set a positive example for not only his sons but his swimmers, too. His teams have been known for being academically strong. Four of his swimmers made the Dean's List, and the team posted its third-best team GPA in program history this fall.
"It's good for the girls," Taylor said. "But I don't think it's as big of a deal for them because they are already in college and know that they want to work on upper-level degrees. It's still positive for them to see that their coaches really do care about education and are still involved in it, even in this stage of my life."
Learning the intricacies of athletic administration was a mitigating factor in his decision to further his education. Taylor has coached throughout the country as well as internationally, but said he also wanted to study what his bosses do.
When the semester starts again later this month, Taylor won't be reporting to a classroom but has found himself another educational project to fill his free time.
"I bought the Russian version of Rosetta Stone, so I'm going to start working on that," Taylor said, and added with a laugh, "But I think I'm going to spend a little time coaching, too."
