Feature Friday: Union Catholic’s Taylor Cox has hurdled to the top

In our latest installment of Feature Friday, we shine the spotlight on Union Catholic track and field star Taylor Cox.

Cox, a junior, is currently the No. 1 ranked hurdler in the country, and this past Wednesday she ran on two winning relays to help the Vikings capture their ninth straight State Non-Public A Relay title, which tied a state record.

Here is our Q and A with Taylor –

Congrats on running a PR of 7.82 in the hurdles, the top time in the country so far this season? What does it mean to you to be the No. 1 ranked hurdler in the country.

This means a lot to me because I’ve been working and training very hard and seeing the training pay off in the competition. It means even more because I’m one of the newest high school hurdlers and I’m number 1 right now. I’ve only been doing hurdles for 2 full years so this is exciting.

What are your biggest goals as far and times and championships in the hurdles for the rest of this season?

My biggest goals as far as times and championships in the hurdles for the rest of the season are to run 7.59 which will break the school and state record held by UC alum Sydney McLaughlin. Also, I just want to keep improving in every hurdle race as the season goes on. Also, having an injury-free season is my top priority so that I can make this year memorable.

Your team won the State Non-Public A Relays on Wednesday night for the 9th straight time, which ties the state record. What does it mean to you and your teammates to equal that record, and what do you feel has been the key to the success of the team over the last decade of dominance?

It means a lot to us because we can continue the legacy that’s been created and we are able to do it with each other to dominate. Winning the State Non-Public A Relays and tying the state record is one thing, but doing it with the people who bring the best out of you and push you is another. NJ is a huge state and being able to stay at the top for so long is not easy. I feel like the coaching/training has been the key to the success of the team over the last decade of dominance. Our coaches strive to make this team successful, and I think that as there has been more success on the team, the more recognition our team receives, and the more people want to come to us to become successful too. We have attracted a lot of really good talent based on our track record, and the coaches make them even better.

Your team has run 31.84 in the shuttle hurdles and 1:40.70 in the 4×200 relay, both No. 6 in state history. How do you feel about your chances of breaking the state records of 30.74 in the shuttles and 1:38.60 in the 4×200? How fast can you girls run in those races?

I think the chances of us breaking the state records in both events are high because we have all been putting in the work and the talent on this team is top-notch. The team ran 1:40:70 on a flat track, so it will only get faster on a banked track. As far as times, I think we can run 30.5 or faster and 1:36:00 or faster

How and why did you first get involved in track and field?

I quit gymnastics after 12 years (age 2-14) and wanted to run track. I joined SpeedSkills a few months before freshman year, where I met Coach McCabe. He told me about the school and said being part of a high school team would be good for me. (I previously was homeschooled and not in a traditional school).

Can you list everything else that you are involved in at UC (all the clubs etc.)?

I’m involved with the track and field team, the National Honor Society, and the African American Club Cultural Appreciation

What do you enjoy the most about the clubs and activities you’re involved in?

I love how my friends make it very sociable and they give a variety of things for us to do that are still related to the main focus of the club. Also, they open us up to many opportunities and privileges, and help everyone connect.

Can you list all the awards/honors you have received at UC. Honor Roll etc?​​​

1st honors every quarter
National Honor Society
2023 Athlete of the year
MileSplit National Athlete of the Week
Broke 60m freshman hurdle record held by Olympian and UC alum Sydney McLaughlin

What does it mean to you to earn those awards, and to have achieved so much academic success?

It means a lot because only a small amount of people have received those awards and achieved those accomplishments. I know they go out to the people who put in the work and try. It makes me feel good that all my hard work is showing in my transcript and I know it might not mean anything right now, but down the line, it will.

What do you love the most about being a student at Union Catholic?

I love the teachers who make me laugh, and my friends who make my day brighter. I love the opportunity I’m getting that is setting me up for a bright future.

Why and how did you decide that UC was the place for you to be? What was it about UC that made you want to be a student here?

I decided to go to UC because of the track team. My mom’s co-worker recommended UC when she heard I was quitting gymnastics and wanted to run track. I met Coach McCabe and we’ve been making history ever since.

What kind of advice would you give to younger students who are considering attending UC? Why should they come to UC and what will UC give them that they won’t be able to find at other schools?

The advice I would give to younger students who are considering attending UC is to prioritize their work and athletics before anything. Having to try to catch up isn’t fun and once your grades drop, you have a high chance of not being able to play your sport until you get your grades up. You probably think that the grades don’t matter, but they will when you’re choosing a college 3-4 years down the line. Your transcript follows you forever. Also, leave the attitudes behind because it won’t do anything but hurt you. You create more bonds the nicer you are with people. You’re getting older, so it’s time to focus on the things that are important for your future. You got this. High school isn’t as bad as people make it seem. Enjoy your youth and your time while you can because before you know it, you’ll be an upperclassman and off to college.

They should come to UC because it’s a great environment and they can create awesome bonds here. At UC, every student matters, and the teachers care. If they want a school that will make them a well-rounded student (not just in academics, but in extracurricular activities), then UC is the place to be.

What do you like to do in your spare time, if you have any? Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I like to call my friends, clean, cook, or just chill. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t relax enough so I like to take time to myself when I can?

What are your college plans?

My college plans are to run track. I’m looking at schools with a good hurdling and medical program.

What do you plan to major in?

I plan to major in Medicine. I want to be an OBGYN when I grow up so I want to go down the medical path to get there.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself either being a PRO athlete/hurdler or at med school putting in the work to be an OBGYN.

What town do you live in?

Rahway

Favorite class and teacher?

My favorite class is biomechanics and my favorite teachers are Mrs. Goworek or Mrs. Rossi.

Favorite UC memory so far?

Going to California with the track and field team in my freshman year.

Favorite core value:

My favorite UC core value is responsibility. Being a leader on the team has given me responsibility that I have stepped up to. Learning responsibility at UC has made me a better teammate, friend, and athlete

One word to describe your UC experience?

Jam-packed

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