Catch Me, If You Can.

Entry 15

HELLO WORLD AND ALL WHO INHABIT IT. No, I totally didn't get that from Spongebob. Yes, I am kidding.

Today, while everyone was living their ordinary day of their ordinary lives, I made a huge decision that, to be honestly, took everyone by storm, including me. I chose to join the University of La Verne dive team.

Those who really know me know that springboard diving has been a crucial part of my life since I was in elementary school. Growing up, I had the mindset that everything I did and everything I was going to do had something to do with diving. Plan things around dive practices, make time for dive competitions, go to a high school with a good dive program, go to college on a dive scholarship, and so on and so forth. Shit, when I was little, my dive career had the Olympics planned into it. I gained years of experience and really started to excel; dive had become a huge influence in my life.

And, eventually, I hated it. Being so devoted to the sport caused a lot of damage in me, and I developed a lot of anxiety about diving and had trouble socializing in middle school because the most interaction I had with people was with diving. It may be cool to watch, but it's not quite a popular sport, so the odds of me going to school with someone from dive was nearly impossible. When middle school hit, diving was a constant flow of worries, tears, and confusion. I decided to quit in sixth grade and to focus on excelling in school, which I did, and I felt a lot better than I did before.

Aaaaaand then came high school. I had planned to dive in high school because I knew it wasn't as big of a commitment as it was for competitive diving, and my four years were super fun. I performed well, made a lot of friends, developed a support system of friends and teammates, and I really formed myself as a person through the sport. I was able to truly express myself on and off the board, which I never thought would ever be possible.

Those who know me really well also know that senior year dive was very difficult as well. I got very sick in mid April, and I could go into detail about that at a later time, but it really prevented my ability to practice and compete at my full potential. While I still think I did well and everyone around me was proud, I knew I could do better. I wanted a second chance; I wanted redemption.

Which brings us to college. At first, if you asked me if I was going to dive, I would have told you, "Hell no. I'm never competing for everyone again." I was super against diving for college, mainly because I was scared of the commitment and if I really would bring anything to the team. If I were to join, I'd want to be an influential factor, and I'd want to amount to something. I'd want to make my mark on this school and to college diving.

During my orientation, there was a pool party which gave me the opportunity to show my skills. All it took was one dive, one simple front one and a half pike. I was approach by a senior swimmer who begged me to dive for the team. He explained that they had no male divers and that my diving abilities in a Division 3 school program would be monumental. I probably would have straight up said no if he didn't mention that.

But he did, and I really pondered whether or not I would give this a shot. Of course, I did my research, looking at La Verne's program and it's logistics and history. Of course being the curious person I am, I checked the record boards for dive to see where I would end up. And I never expected to see what I saw.

With just a high school score, I could place on top and break a college record. If they had known me before college, I would've broken the record four years ago. I still can't get that idea out of my head.

It was motivation. For the first time since I stopped diving in May, I thought, Hey, maybe I could do something with this. Maybe I can be a part of this team, and contribute as much as I'd hope to. I could be a crucial part of this team; I could help them win.

And that's what pushed me over the edge. Today, I officially agreed to join the dive team, and pre season just started today. I have a meet schedule, my suit and towel, and a goal all prepared and laid out in my head and in my hands. I am ready to take on this duty, this commitment to La Verne and myself, and I am ready to make up for the senior year I was hoping to thrive in but didn't.

This is my time to shine.

***UPDATE***

Well, I was officially cleared to dive this past week, and I was able to compete this past weekend, November 19th, in my first college dual meet. I ended up breaking a school record! I have posted the highest score the University of La Verne has ever seen in the Men's 1 meter 6-dive event, and that's huge! My swim and dive team is so supportive and they all encouraged me to reach for the stars, and I did and made it! Thank you all for the love and motivation. I'm so excited to see what else is in store this season; stay tuned to find out more in the future!