USD Magazine Spring 2016

GETTING TO KNOW ...

2015 Rookie of the Year

K R I S B RYAN T CHICAGO CUBS

BRYANT CAPTURES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD In November 2015, former University of San Diego Torero and current Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was unanimously named the National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America. He received all 30 of the possible first-place votes for a total of 150 points. The 23-year-old Bryant was a 2015 National League All-Star and led all major league rookies in several offensive categories, including 26 home runs (tied), 99 RBI, 31 doubles and 87 runs scored while placing second with 77 walks. He is only the second player in major league history to reach those impressive totals in homers, RBI, doubles, runs and walks in his rookie campaign, joining legendary Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams.

TIM MANTOANI JACKIE AND DANIELLE TAYLOR AGE: Jackie (left), 21; Danielle (right), 18 MAJORS: Jackie, biology; Danielle, undeclared HOMETOWN: San Ramon, Calif. BIG FINS TO FILL: Older sister Jackie Taylor has firmly established herself as USD swimming and diving royalty, as she currently holds or shares four school records (50 and 100 freestyle, as well as the 400 medley relay and the 800 freestyle relay). “I’m sure Danielle will get them at some point, but I’d prefer she do it after I leave. I worked hard for those!” Danielle knows the bar has been set high, and she’s ready to stroke right over it. “She always gives me something to shoot for. I’d love to try and get those records before I’m done here. It gives me bragging rights at home!” IT’S IN THE GENES: The Taylor sisters don’t have to go too many branches up the family tree to trace their excep- tional athletic ability. “My dad (Michael Taylor) was a basketball player at Cal, and my mom (Mitsi) was a swimmer,” Jackie says. “Guess it’s a family thing.” EXTRASENSORY: Whether it’s sharing a lane in practice, or torching the competition on race day, the Taylor girls have an almost preternatural con- nection in the water. Danielle feels it’s been there since they were in floaties. “I love swimming next to her. It’s not even like we plan it. We share lanes in the pool during practice all the time. We’ve started next to each other in a lot of meets, too. Whoa. When you think about it, it really is kinda weird!”

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