Taryn Vangerpen

Class: Sophomore Hometown: Edmonds, WA High School: Kamiak HS

Event: Distance Free/IM

What is your most memorable moment in your USD swimming or diving career?
Conference in San Antonio was the most memorable moment thus far in my USD swimming career. I had a blast, especially when we dominated finals with our team spirit!

What is your favorite book?
The Bible, because it gives me truth, inspiration, and reminds me that I am loved every time I read it.

What is your favorite animal?
My favorite animal since childhood has been the panda. They are just so adorable.

What's on your iPod?
I have a large variety of artists on my iPod. I like Jeremy Camp, Phil Wickham, Natalie Grant, Stacie Orrico, Toby Mac, Michael Buble, Taylor Swift, Corrine Bailey Rae, Sinatra, Jack Johnson and many others. I pretty much like all music except heavy metal and hard rock.

Who is your role model and why?
A role model is someone who inspires, who is accomplished, honest, loyal and unforgettable. My dad is my role model. He is the hardest worker I know; he is a self-starer, self-employed, and highly successful. He has been the best provider I could have asked for. My dad always balanced work with spending time with our family. He is always supportive in every activity my sister or I are involved in. He even spent the night outside my dance studio every year to get the best tickets for my recital and he still serves as a starter and official for USA swimming because it has become his hobby. Unfortunately, my role model has complicated the issue of finding a boyfriend, because it is going to take one incredible man to fill my daddy's shoes.

What is your favorite activity to do in or around the city of San Diego?
I love getting dolled up and going downtown for dinner.