Wayners Make Utah Their Home

By Ryan Thurston
Utah Athletics Communications

For Harrison and Darby Wayner, swimming comes naturally.

"Our parents swam in high school but we are the first ones to compete at the Division 1 level," Darby said. "We also have a younger sister who is swimming right now."

Darby was the first to come to Utah all the way from Savannah, Georgia, and is now in her senior year. As one of the team's captains, she has a chance to lead a program that includes her brother.

"It is such a great honor to be a team captain. I feel like I have come full circle as both a student-athlete and a person."

Darby is putting the team first this year, more than she ever has. As a captain, she says the experience is even more rewarding.

"My goals this year are a lot more team-oriented. I succeed when the team succeeds. I am just trying to be the best teammate and captain that I can."

As a captain, Darby understands her role in creating a culture that allows every swimmer to reach their full potential.

"We organize a lot of events but more than that, we try to create a positive and inclusive environment where people know they can come to us for anything."

While trying to set an example for Harrison, Darby also wants to allow him to have his own experience.

"I am not going to tell him what to do. I trust he can make the correct decisions and have a positive impact on this team. Although I do hope to lead by example."

For Harrison, the decision to come to Utah was not based solely on his familial connection.

"Everyone asked me when I committed if it was because of Darby. It was not the main reason, but it is nice to have her here."

What drew Harrison to Utah was the team culture and familial atmosphere created by head coach Joe Dykstra and the student-athletes in the Ute program. Also important, a change of scenery.

"Most of the schools I was looking at were on the east coast and this was the only one in the west. I really liked the change of scenery and the mountains."

It's a sentiment that Darby echoed.

"We are both from the beach, which we love, but I wanted to experience something completely different. That was a big draw."

Culture, a wonderful environment in and out of the pool, and the unique opportunity to swim with his sister were all things that brought Harrison to Utah.

Now, as he embarks on his first season, Darby will be setting off on her final campaign. Where he hopes to contribute immediately, she will be attempting to cap her college career with more success. Lucky for Utah, the sibling teammates will have this year to cherish competing alongside each other.

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Players Mentioned

Darby Wayner

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Championships on March 28, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Championships on March 27, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Championships on March 26, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Championships on March 25, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Zone E Diving Championships on March 11, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Zone E Diving Championships on March 10, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Zone E Diving Championships on March 9, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus NCAA Zone E Diving Championships on March 7, 2026 ,

Completed Event: Men's Swimming & Diving versus Big 12 Conference Championships on February 28, 2026 ,

The University of Utah Athletics