SI Swim Search: Taylor Sharpe

SI Swimsuit | Apr 20, 2021

Name: Taylor Sharpe
Hometown: Born in Dallas, but was raised in the Queen City of Charlotte. Go Panthers!
Occupation: Full-time mom and model

What inspired you to try out for SI Swim Search?

Being in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Being able to share my story to inspire and empower other women is what inspired me to try out for swim search.

What would it mean to you to win Swim Search?

From my perspective, it’s not about coming in first place or beating anyone else because every single girl in the Swim Search is worthy and a winner in my eyes. To me, winning Swim Search would be proof that no matter how much adversity you face in life, you can always turn your dreams into reality especially if you have the passion, dedication and commitment to make it happen. We are all more powerful than we can ever imagine and if you put your mind to something you can achieve anything. What's meant for you will always be for you.

What has been the best part about being a part of the Swim Search community?

The best part of the Swim Search community is being able to join a platform like SI that is breaking barriers and smashing beauty standards. I am proud to be a part of it because some little girl may see me and hear my story and it may change how they feel about themselves. I only hope to inspire girls and women through my story and give them the confidence and courage to go after their dreams and be proud of who they are and where they come from.

What is your favorite SI Swimsuit memory?

When I saw Brooklyn Decker’s cover in 2010 I was around 12 or 13 years old. I was one of the first girls in my grade to hit puberty and just starting to fill out my body with curves, almost every other girl in my school didn’t have hips, I wanted to be like the other girls because I never saw anyone like me. I saw her cover and remember thinking “Wow! I look like her! She looks beautiful, I can relate to her, she is inspiring.” It made me feel empowered at such a young age and from there my vision for SI began.

Who is your role model?

As a kid and as a young adult I really didn’t have many positive role models so I’ve really had to create that for myself. It really enabled me to see all of the things I wanted and didn’t want for myself in life. My biggest role model is all of us who are overcoming adversity and coming out on the other end as better people.

What would you tell your younger self?

Remember life is what you make it, truly. Always believe in yourself, you are enough just the way you are. No matter what you’re given, your life is what you choose it to be. You are the writer of your own story, We weren’t promised a perfect family, upbringing or life but we do control how we react to what we were given. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of what you choose to do with it.

How are you preparing for the SI Swim Search photo shoot?

Continuing to be the best version of myself. I think preparing for something like this is more of a mental thing than anything. Remembering to be humble and always be positive and trust your journey.

Who was the first person you told the good news to?

The first person I told the news to was my son, whose response was “I want ice cream.” Oh well!