Upcoming Event: Track & Field versus NCAA First Round on May 28, 2026
Track & Field
vs NCAA First Round
The University of Utah Athletics
DARBY WAYNER | #UTAHGRAD19
Business Marketing | 3.33 GPA | Savannah, Georgia | Utah Swimming and Diving captain, Crimson Council Executive Member, FCA
“Utah gave me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. The opportunity to be surrounded by such hard working, dedicated student-athletes who are all striving towards a similar goal is something that you can't pass up.”
I grew up in a beach town in the South and wanted to experience the mountains. Utah gave me that opportunity. The biggest reason however was because Utah gave me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. The opportunity to be surrounded by such hard working, dedicated student-athletes who are all striving towards a similar goal is something that you can't pass up.
Everyone has their own path to success. You have to find what fits for you instead of trying to mirror your peers. It starts with your goals. I wanted to succeed academically, athletically, and as a teammate. Finding what your priorities are is one of the most challenging, but rewarding, parts of being a successful student-athlete. I love new adventures. That goes for anything in my life, whether that's picking up and moving across the country for college or simply branching out of my friend group to meet new people. Some adventures turn into challenges, but I love them so much because I know that I will come out on the other side as a stronger individual.
I’m feeling grateful about graduating this weekend. Thinking back on the past four years at U, I know that I would not be the person I am today without every person I've met along the way. Being a student-athlete my entire life has shaped me into the person I am today. I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity, the experiences, the memories, and the people I've met over these four years.
College has helped me realize that you really can't plan out your life. Five years from now, who knows where I will be. I hope to one day be the CEO of a company and be a mentor, friend, and leader to my coworkers. However, I realize I have to work hard and be fearless in my track to get there. Success does not happen overnight – you have to work for it, work together, and fully trust in the process.