By Danielle Repper, Swimming World College Intern
‘Tis the season! There are many things to be thankful for in our lives. Throughout our careers as divers, we are given some rare opportunities. The diving community is endlessly supportive– from divers to the coaches and to the table help! But of course, our number one supporters are our incredible parents. Seriously, who else is willing to sacrifice sleep and wake up at 6 a.m. to sit and breathe in chlorine for hours on end?
Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports Images
Divers and coaches, what are you thankful for?
Kaylea Arnett, former diver for Virginia Tech University:
“Diving has shaped my life in many aspects. It’s thanks to diving that I have been able to meet and make friends with so many incredible people. It’s thanks to diving that I have been able to travel around the globe and attend the wonderful institution of Virginia Tech. It’s thanks to all of the wonderful people who pushed me forward and helped me through the tough times that I keep growing more and more in love with this sport. It’s thanks to diving and all of those people cheering me on that I am where I am today, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Murphy Bromberg, junior diver for the University of Texas:
“I am so incredibly grateful for all the opportunities the sport has given me. But beyond that, diving has given my the opportunity to be surround by so many incredible people that have made me a better person. I am grateful that diving took me to The University of Texas where I am surrounded by an incredible staff led by my coach Matt and amazing teammates who have become my best friends. I am grateful for all the people diving has allowed me to meet and the person the sport is helping me to become.”
Mike Hilde, head diving coach for the University of Michigan:
“I am thankful for Michigan and all the support they give me to be successful. I am thankful for all my coaches, not only because they taught me how to be a great diver, but also how to be a good person and mentored me into the coach I am today. I am also thankful for all my divers because they taught me what true happiness really is.”
Lilly Hinrichs, senior diver for Stanford University:
“I’m thankful for all of the opportunities that have come my way. Being a diver for most of my life has given me the chance to meet some incredible people that I consider to be lifelong friends who I am forever thankful for. I’m thankful for my teammates and coaches who have pushed me and always had my back. And I’m thankful for my family who has cheered me on and supported me in everything I’ve done so far and plan on doing in the future.”
Jay Lerew, head diving coach for Texas A&M University:
“I am thankful for being a involved with such unique and successful athletes and contributing to their success in life.”
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Christina Loukas, Olympian and former diver for Indiana University:
“I am thankful for the friendships I made all over the world. I am thankful for all the support I received from my family, friends, and the community. I am thankful for all the memories. I am thankful for the great education I received from Indiana University. But I think I am most thankful for diving shaping me into the person I am today. It taught me how to win, lose, persevere, and have determination no matter the circumstances. Because of diving I feel as though I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
Maria Polyakova, sophomore diver for the University of California, Los Angeles:
“I’m really thankful for the opportunities that diving gave me! I got to travel around the world and come to UCLA! Also, it made me more mature!”
Rafael Quintero, senior diver for the University of Arizona:
“Through the years of diving, I am most grateful for the coaches that I’ve had along the way. They’ve all been a part of shaping the diver that I am today. Thanks to them I’ve been able to travel the world and experience things that most people don’t get to experience in their lifetime. I’ve also had the opportunity to represent the University of Arizona for four years and for that I am forever grateful.”
Photo Courtesy: Chuckarelei Studios
Abel Sanchez, head diving coach for the University of North Carolina:
“I can truly say it took a village to help me through my diving career and there are so many people to be thankful for and too many to list off because I would hate to miss one. Thank you to all my coaches, family members and friends. Now as a coach, I am thankful for my colleagues at work, UNC, my divers and their parents, and most importantly My beautiful wife and 3 lovely kids.”
Samuel Smith, freshman diver for the University of Florida:
“I think I would honestly have to say I’m most thankful for the family I’ve kinda built within the diving community. Being able to have friends all over the country that I’ve been able to connect with has been amazing. My closest friends have all been divers and we’ve all become family and gone through so much together so that’s what I’m most thankful for. The friends I’ve made on the pool deck.”
Cassie Weil, senior diver for Louisiana State University:
“I am thankful for how diving has helped me learn way more than just athletics but so much about life and other places around the world. I learned there is so much more out there than I could have ever imagined. Also, the people I have met will be a part of my life forever, and for that I am so thankful!”
As for myself, I am thankful for all of the opportunities diving has given me. From traveling all over the world to the lifelong friends I have made. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything else. I am thankful to all of the coaches I have worked with throughout my career, and I apologize for any hair loss I may have cost you over the years! I am thankful that even though I am retired, I still have the opportunity to be involved in the sport that made me who I am today. But I am most thankful for my family. I would not be where I am today without their endless love and support!
Wow, I would like to add just one small thing. Once you enter the diving community you realize that its for life and it never goes away. All you have to do is look in the young eyes and smiles when they are on the board. Thanks to all the coaches that have touched my life, thanks to all the divers, thanks to the those who never stop giving to our community.