Auburn Head Coach Gary Taylor Makes Power Move to Join Virginia Staff as Associate Head Coach

The University of Virginia has made a significant addition to its coaching staff with the hiring of Gary Taylor to fill the void left by former associate head coach Blaire Anderson, who departed to assume the role of Director of Swimming at Texas A&M University.

Taylor’s return to college swimming comes after a three-year hiatus, during which he served as the head coach at Auburn for three seasons before parting ways with the Tigers. Subsequently, he took over as head coach of the Cavalier Aquatics club team based in Charlottesville.

Having previously worked alongside Virginia head coach Todd DeSorbo as assistant coaches at NC State, Taylor brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. At NC State, Taylor made a name for himself as a distinguished distance coach, guiding numerous swimmers to school records and top performances.

Although his tenure at Auburn didn’t yield the same level of success, Taylor found considerable achievements at the club level with Cavalier Aquatics. Notably, he mentored US National Team member Thomas Heilman, who secured a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships and has demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility under Taylor’s guidance.

While Taylor’s coaching role with Heilman for his senior high school season remains undecided, his commitment to the Cavalier Aquatics program is expected to continue. Heilman, a key recruit for Virginia’s upcoming season, is poised to contribute to the team’s already formidable lineup.

With the addition of Taylor, the Virginia coaching staff undergoes changes, maintaining a dynamic roster of coaches dedicated to fostering excellence in collegiate swimming. The Virginia women, reigning NCAA Champions, and the men’s team continue to make strides under the leadership of DeSorbo and his team, setting the stage for another season of stellar performances in the pool.