In a move that has left the swimming community both concerned and curious, NCAA All-American and SEC Champion Andrew Taylor has abruptly stepped away from the sport for personal reasons, according to Arizona State head coach Herbie Behm. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Taylor's decision comes just months after his high-profile transfer to Arizona State from the University of Florida, where he had already made waves as a standout athlete. Is this a temporary pause or a permanent farewell? And what could be the driving force behind such a sudden departure?
Behm, in a candid conversation with SwimSwam, praised Taylor, saying, “Andrew is one of the most exceptional individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to meet, and we feel fortunate to have had him as part of the ASU family, even if only for a brief period.” This glowing endorsement underscores the impact Taylor had during his short tenure at Arizona State, where he continued to showcase his talent in the pool.
During the fall semester, Taylor competed in several key events, including the CSCAA Dual Meet Challenge in November. There, he clocked a season-best 4:19.03 in the 500-yard freestyle during a dual meet against Virginia. He also demonstrated his endurance with a 15:01.41 in the 1650-yard freestyle at the Tennessee Invite, held the same weekend. But here’s the part most people miss: Despite these impressive performances, Taylor’s decision to step away raises questions about the pressures and challenges athletes face behind the scenes.
Before joining Arizona State, Taylor made headlines as a freshman at Florida in 2024, winning the SEC title in the 1650-yard freestyle with a time of 14:38.41. He followed this up with a third-place finish at the 2024 NCAA Championships, improving his time to 14:37.80. However, his sophomore season was marred by injuries, preventing him from qualifying for the NCAAs. He concluded that season with a 15:01.05 in the 1650 free at the SEC Championships, placing 20th.
At Arizona State, Taylor was the team’s top performer in the 1650 freestyle this season, thanks to his time at the Tennessee Invite. With his departure, Reece Grady now holds the top spot on the roster with a time of 15:10.55. To qualify for the 2025 NCAA Championships in the 1650 free, swimmers needed to meet the cut of 14:48.88. Notably, Daniel Matheson was the only Sun Devil to compete in the event at the 2025 NCAAs, finishing 10th with a time of 14:35.58. Matheson has since graduated and joined the Arizona State coaching staff.
But here’s the controversial question: In a sport where mental and physical health is increasingly under the spotlight, should we be doing more to support athletes like Taylor? Or is this simply a personal decision that deserves privacy and respect? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
About Anya Pelshaw: Anya has been a cornerstone of SwimSwam since June 2021, serving as both a writer and social media coordinator. She has covered the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Women's NCAA Championships, providing in-depth reporting and social media updates. Additionally, she attended the 2023 US Summer Nationals and the 2024 European Championships, bringing her unique perspective to swimming enthusiasts worldwide. For more insights into her work, visit her bio here.
