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Prep profile: Hannah Taschwer, Madison East

Dennis Semrau  —  5/14/2008 8:45 am

Prep Profiles run every Wednesday in the new weekly Cap Times. If you would like to nominate a student-athlete who excels competitively and in the classroom, contact preps coordinator Dennis Semrau at 252-6490 or dsemrau@madison.com

Name: Hannah Taschwer

School: Madison East

Year: Senior.

Sports: Track and field, swimming.

Fast facts: Taschwer is three-time letterwinner in track and field for the Purgolders. A co-captain as a senior, she has competed in the 400-, 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs and 3,200 relay. She finished fourth at the 2008 City outdoor meet in the 800 and third in the 1,600 relay. Taschwer was a four-time letterwinner in swimming for East, which won the 2007 WIAA Division 1 state title. She swam the breaststroke on the state championship 200 medley relay, which also earned All-America and All-State honors. A co-captain as a senior, she competed in every event except the 100 butterfly during her prep career. She placed 16th in the 100 breaststroke at state her senior year.

Cumulative grade-point average: 3.98.

Favorite subject: Calculus BC.

Quick quote: "Competing in sports teaches you how to work through failure. Don't let anything get you down."

Three words to describe me are: talented, athletic, determined.

How I got started in sports: I started playing soccer when I was in fourth grade, swimming in sixth grade and competing in track my freshman year.

I wish I could compete in: cross country.

My most memorable moment in sports was: our team winning the Division 1 state championship in swimming my senior year.

I enjoy high school sports because: of the inside jokes and the bonds you make with your teammates.

I enjoy competing in track and field because: its mental and physical challenges help you reach your limits and goals.

Advice: "Don't be afraid to meet new people and learn new things. Be open-minded."

My role models are: my parents, Mike and Lesli.

The rest of my family includes: my younger sisters, Olivia and Emma.

Favorite athlete: Tara Kirk, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist in the 400-meter medley relay whose specialty is the 100 breaststroke.

Favorite team: Wisconsin Badgers.

Favorite movie: Jurassic Park.

Favorite TV shows: That 70s Show; Scrubs.

Favorite food: mashed potatoes.

Favorite sports to watch on TV: college basketball; college hockey.

Favorite place to visit: Longboat Key, Fla.

I want to visit: Italy; Egypt.

Words to live by: "Live your life to the fullest."

Favorite restaurant: Delitalia.

I drive: a 1989 Dodge Spirit.

Radio pre-set: 106.7 FM; Z-104 FM.

I can't live without: my iPod.

I wish I could meet: Amelia Earhart.

I like Madison East High School because: of the energy of the crowds at sporting events.

Favorite opponents: Madison Memorial; Madison West.

My perfect day would be: spending it at the beach, working on my tan, swimming, playing sand volleyball and soccer with my friends before building a big bonfire at night.

I wish: my teammates all the best in the future.

Nicknames: HT; Hannah banana.

I will remember most about high school: the fun times in sports and the friends I made in sports. We had a lot of intense memories.

If I could change anything: lower gas prices.

This and that: member of National Honor Society, Student Congress, Beta Club, Spanish Club and Engineering Club … played first violin in the school orchestra for three years … joined Show Choir her senior year … works part-time at Panera Bread … member of High Honor Roll throughout high school … earned Academic pin and English Honor Society pin … earned scholarships from UW College of Engineering and Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers … volunteer work includes helping prepare middle school students for city track and field meet and Red Cross Blood Drive … received Service 'E' award … hobbies include water skiing, running.

Post-high school plans: attend University of Wisconsin to study biomedical engineering.

Career: Genetic-oriented engineering.

Dennis Semrau  —  5/14/2008 8:45 am