Reynolds' actions speak louder than words

Of the many things the state does not require in order to qualify for the state swimming meet, passing a decibel test is somewhere on the list.

In other words, all the IHSA cares about is whether or not you qualify, not that you do so loudly.

But Taylor Reynolds, not known as the loudest in any pool, hopes to make a joyful noise in the water when the state sectional comes to the North Stars pool on Nov. 10.

"She's got talent and she just needs to bring it out," St. Charles North coach Rob Rooney said. "That's been the biggest obstacle, bringing it out. Right now, we just need her to do what she's capable of. There's so much more to her and we're hoping she can bring that forward this year."

Reynolds is a very talented swimmer. The North Stars senior qualified for last year's state meet in the 100-yard backstroke and in two relays. She swam the 16th-fastest time in the backstroke but was part of a 200 medley relay that finished third.

This year, Reynolds is again part of that medley relay, as well as the 400 freestyle relay and she competes in the backstroke. She is also going to swim the 50 freestyle at the sectional.

"She carries a lot of power," Rooney said. "She had the third fastest 50 backstroke in the state last year and she was a real catalyst for that (medley) relay. I'd like to see that power and that drive carried over into the 100."

Rooney said the problem isn't one of concentration, and really, he said there's not much of a problem at all. But as with all coaches at this time of the year, hopes are attached to swimmers about to finish their careers -- and that hope is always that the athlete competes at her best.

"She's had success in the 100 back and she's had some mistakes along the way," Rooney said. "We're looking forward and not backward. I just want to see her get what she deserves. She's a girl who's done everything that was asked of her and who's turned into a solid leader on this team."

Like all elite swimmers, Reynolds is just starting the resting process known as tapering. She will be more rested than at any time in the season when she hits the water at the sectional meet. Done properly, tapering produces large time drops, and that can propel an athlete to the state meet -- or to previously unseen heights at the Nov. 16-17 state meet in New Trier.

"I feel pretty good," Reynolds said. "I'm very excited to start tapering and to get ready for the state meet and I hope to finish up the year strong. We've been increasing yardage every day and pushing each other as we practice and practice."

The North Stars competed Saturday in the Upstate Eight Conference meet and have a two-week break before the sectional.

"I do feel like we're a real team now," Reynolds said. "It's a tight group of girls. We've had fun day to day -- even in the mornings."

Rooney said Reynolds wrapped her role as a team leader around her personality, which helped her be more genuine in that capacity.

"She has been an example to the team," Rooney said. "She's not the loudest or the most aggressive or the most bubbly. I've learned that you can't make a kid out to be what they aren't. You have to take their strengths and work with those to help them be a team leader. Taylor has been an exceptional kid for this team and she has done things by example."

While admitting she wants a "second swim" at the state meet -- which means swimming as one of the top 12 in the state, she also has other goals.

"I just want to go best times in my events and work hard through what's left of the season and prepare for state and be ready to go at the end of the season," she said.

Reynolds said she's deciding between New Orleans, Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Wright State as a college choice, and she intends to swim wherever she attends.

But that's something to think about in the future. At the moment, all eyes are on the Nov. 10 sectional and the state meet that follows the next weekend.

"It has gone fast," Reynolds said. "It seems like just yesterday that I was a freshman not knowing what was going on. And now I'm getting ready for the state meet in my senior year. It's been a lot of fun meeting new girls and swimming with all these girls. It's been what I expected and more."