 Wayte was born and raised on Mercer Island, Washington, where she swam for the Chinook Aquatic Club.As a 16-year-old high school sophomore, Wayte won three gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter backstroke and the 800-meter freestyle relay at the National Sport Festival.She won eight Washington state high school swimming titles in five different events while attending Mercer Island High School.