Fan of the Week: Taylor Dias

Taylor Dias, a graduating member of the Mercer Women’s Soccer Team, has been a true Bear on and off and the field during her time at Mercer. The 5-2 defender for the team has been a contributing member for the Bears for all four of her seasons with Mercer.

Dias saw action mostly in her junior and senior seasons, while being on the Atlantic Sun All-Conference Academic Team in her sophomore season. This past year, she played for the Southern Conference Championship and took home the championship ring with the rest of her team.

Not only did Dias want to attend Mercer to be a member of the women’s soccer team, but she also saw that Mercer is a school that values both academics and athletics.

“I chose to attend Mercer because (it has) great athletics, and it’s a great academic school, which is not a very common combination,” said Dias.

Although her favorite memory as a Bear includes her team’s SoCon win, Dias has other fond memories while at Mercer.

“I would say, obviously besides winning the Southern Conference Championship this year with my team, it would have to be when then Men's Basketball Team beat Duke,” said Dias.

Throughout her time as a Bear, Dias has seen the Mercer Men’s Basketball Team succeed on many different stages. Coach Bob Hoffman has been an instrumental part in their successes, and Dias recognizes how important he is to the team and to the Mercer family.

“I think Bob Hoffman would have to be my favorite coach because he seems to have such a passion for his players,” said Dias. “He really supports them and isn't afraid to be tough on them when he needs to.”

Dias, being a member of a women’s team at Mercer, understands what it is like to be a female athlete in a sea of male-dominated athletics. Even though she is a huge supporter for Hoffman, she believes that all sports deserve support from fellow Mercerians.

“I like to cheer on all the women's sports because I feel like sometimes the focus is only one men's sports,” said Dias. “I want every athlete to feel like (he or she has) the support of the school.”

Because she has been an athlete throughout her time at Mercer, Dias has made many friends throughout the athletic department. She wants all teams to do well, and she enjoys cheering on those that she knows.

“I just really enjoy watching any of my friends that play on other teams complete,” said Dias.

Dias takes great pride in being a Mercer Bear, and she has learned to fully support all Mercer athletic teams.

“To me, being a Mercer Bear means that you support your fellow Bears no matter what and always (are) confident that the team will get a win,” said Dias.

Dias will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Although she is leaving Mercer, Dias said, “Of course I will continue to support the Bears in any way possible.”