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Holly and Sophie Taylor: Two scholarships, one family budget

The Taylor twins' 5K times weren't in the usual range for big offers, and the family needed two scholarships that worked at the same time. OSS built profiles that created options at good Division II schools.

The story

The Taylor twins' times weren't in the usual range for big offers. What was the plan?

“Their 5K PBs weren't where athletes typically need to be for large offers, but we felt they had a lot of potential. Our plan was to build a profile that would let us create options at good Division II schools, so they could get the US experience they really wanted.”

And sending two athletes at once?

“That's the real challenge: making it financially viable with two girls going at the same time. We've worked with a lot of twins and siblings over the years, and it's an area where we have a huge amount of expertise and success. We loved working with their family, and we're happy they're enjoying the experience in a way that works for them financially.”

Nathan Gillis, founder of Olympic Sports Scholarships

Key results

• Both placed at Davis & Elkins College (Division II)
• A package that works for the family financially

What this means for your recruiting

• You don't need top times to get a US experience. Division II has strong options.
• Twins and siblings can go together. The key is making the combined package affordable.

Useful next reads

• US scholarships for New Zealand athletes
• 5000m scholarship times
• The Standards Engine: times for every event

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