NOVICE TEAM

• This group is designed for both the beginner with no background in the sport of diving and perfect for the diver who has a limited skill set.
• Participants will not attend meets.
• This is a 2 month class which meets 2 days a week for 45 minutes.

Dates: This class runs all year in 2 month sessions.

• Session 1 – September/October
• Session 2 – November/December
• Session 3 – January/February
• Session 4 – March/April
• Session 5 – May/June

Commitment: 2 days a week for 45 minutes

BLUE TEAM

• Perfect for divers with limited dives and who do not want to compete in meets.
• This level is ideal for athletes who want to start developing competitive skills, but not at an intense level.

Dates:

• 9 month program, September-May
• September 21-December 20th
• January 11th – April 11th
• There will be an opportunity for a May session

Commitment: 2 days a week for 1 hour

Perfect for divers with limited list of dives and who want to compete in dual meets.

• This level prepares athletes for competitions in a less stressful environment.
• Athletes will not be required to travel out of the tri-state area.
• Participants will need to know how to perform front dive, back dive, inward dive, front or back somersault.
• Athletes must also have no fear of learning dives from the three-meter board.
• $100 Fee (to cover membership for the league and competitions) will be due at REGISTRATION.

Dates: This program runs for 8 months in 2 sessions

• Session 1 - September 21st - December 20th
• Session 2 - January 11th - April 11th

Amanda

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Connor

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Izzy

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Jackson

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Kady

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Katie

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Kyla

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Lee

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Liam

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Steven

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Elizabeth

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Gail

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Natasha

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Daniel

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Athletes must have a JO list of dives in order to be in this group.

• This group is designed for participants who need a more exclusive practice setting.
• Athletes in this level will travel out of state for competitions: invitationals, regionals, east nationals, YMCA nationals, and JO summer nationals.

Dates: 9 month program SEPT-JUNE

Commitment: Varies by JO level

10 WHIRLWIND DIVERS QUALIFY FOR 2010 NATIONALS
FITZPATRICK AND SODOKOFF WIN SILVER MEDALS

With ten qualifiers, Whirlwind had one of its best years ever in 2010 at summer nationals.  Congratulations to Lee Christensen, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Meredith Jonker, Alex Leinroth, Timmy Luz, Margaret Rogers, Justin Sodokoff, and Katie Warburg who qualified for Speedo Nationals along with Sam Scirbano and Kylie Towbin who qualified for Age Groups. 

Four divers – Lee, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Justin – were Speedo finalists with Elizabeth and Justin taking home silver medals on three meter in 12-13 girls and 11 and under boys respectively.  Elizabeth and Justin reached the finals in all three of their events.  Margaret advanced on two events (one meter/platform), while Lee was a finalist on platform. 

WHIRLWIND SCORES BIG AT SUMMER ZONES

Leading up to summer nationals, Whirlwind dove strongly at the Pittsburgh Zone meet finishing second behind Legacy Diving of Michigan.  The meet was one of five zone qualifying meets held in July with over with twenty teams competing.

The team’s best performance at zones came from Elizabeth Fitzpatrick who won gold in all three of her events.  Justin Sodokoff just missed the coveted hat trick with two golds and a silver medal.  Other top 3 performances came from Margaret Rogers (two silver medals and one bronze), and Alex Leinroth (one silver). 

WHIRLWIND WINS 10th YMCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the JO national team for capturing another YMCA national championship – the 10th since 1999! 

The team had two gold medal winners on the girl’s side—Elizabeth Fitzpatrick and Katie Warburg – who swept the 12-15 and 16-21 springboard events.  Lee Christensen was a third gold winner taking 12-15 boys platform.  Other finalists were Sami Bloom, Kara Capossela, Connor Farrell, Meredith Jonkers, Lauren Kahan, Amanda Molinelli, Kyle O’Donnell, Hannah Singer, and Kylie Towbin.

8 DIVERS COMPETE AT EAST NATIONALS —JUSTIN SODOKOFF WINS GOLD

Congratulations to Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Meredith Jonkers, Steven Kreuch, Timmy Luz, Margaret Rogers, Sam Scribano, Justin Sodokoff and Katie Warburg, who all qualified for the USA Diving East Nationals Championships held April 7-9 in Ohio.  Whirlwind finished a strong sixth at the meet.

Justin, a recent addition to Whirlwind team, led the way taking first place in the 11 and Under 1m event and placing second on 3m.  Other top 12 medals were awarded to Margaret (2nd in 1m; 6th in 3m) and Timmy (4th in 1m; 5th in 3m) in 11 and under; Elizabeth (4th in 1m; 3rd in 3m) and Steven (10th in 1m; 12th in 3m) in 12/13; and Katie in 16-18 (6th on 1m). 

Justin, Margaret, Elizabeth, Katie and Lee all pre-qualified for Speedo Nationals this summer based on either a top 3 finish at East Nationals or a gold medal at Y Nationals.

SAMI BLOOM NAMED ACADEMIC ALL AMERICA

Congratulations to Sami Bloom for being named Academic All American. Sami was recognized by the high school coaches association (NISCA), along with other top student athletes nationally that dive, swim or play water polo. 

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Sami Bloom

Joined Whirlwind:  2008
College:  Tufts University

Kara Capossela

Joined Whirlwind:  2004
College:  University of Maine

Mika Cucullo

Joined Whirlwind:  2001
College:  Babson College

Annabel Enquist

Joined Whirlwind:  2004
College:  Emory University

Bianca Herlitz-Ferguson

Joined Whirlwind: 2009
College:  Cornell University

MANITA HERLITZ-FERGUSON

Joined Whirlwind: 2009
College:  Cornell University

MEG KRATKY

Joined Whirlwind: 2008
College:  Dartmouth College

ALEX LEINROTH

Joined Whirlwind:  2001
College:  University of Virginia

HANNAH SINGER

Joined Whirlwind:  2007
College:  Northwestern University

Danil TYULMANKOV

Joined Whirlwind: 2010
College: University of Massachusetts

Below please find the addresses for away meet pool sites. Click on the Mapquest logo (above) to customize directions to and from these sites.

The College of New Jersey - Aquatic Center - “Packer Hall”
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ. 08628-0718

Drexel University Gymnasium (Site of Spinner Diving Invit.)
33rd & Market Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19104

Nassau County Aquatic Center (Site of Big Apple Invit.)
Merrick and Stewart Avenues
East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Somerset Valley YMCA Bridgewater Pool (Site of Lord of the Boards Inv.)
601 Garretson Rd.
Bridgewater, NJ.  08807

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)
Hutchinson Natatorium
Wintergreen Ave. 
New Haven, CT.  06515

Yale University - Payne Whitney Gymnasium
70 Tower Parkway
New Haven, Ct. 06511

2008-2009

Dear JO Parents, Divers, and Friends:

Welcome to New Canaan YMCA Whirlwind Diving, a year-round program that focuses on the development of proper diving mechanics, as well as enhancing and strengthening core individual diving skills-all within the realm of a safe and motivating environment.

I would first like to take this opportunity to welcome back our returning athletes, and to extend an invitation for any interested individual who is looking to participate in our unique program that combines athletics, camaraderie, and fun!

I am also pleased to announce the return of our dedicated coaching staff, consisting of Sergey Meshcherskiy, Associate Diving Director, Wes Mattice, Corinne Houston and Julie Warburg, all of whom are as excited as I am to begin the 2008-2009 Season.

2007-2008 Season was a huge success!  Congratulation to Elizabeth Fitzpatrick for placing 1st at Junior Nationals on three meter.  In addition, Whirlwind Diving also had six high school All Americans; Carlin Dacey, Carolyn DiMarco, Alex Leinroth, Philip Morehouse, Mark O’Connell and Brad Schott – great job!  As a team, Whirlwind Diving placed 5th at East Junior Nationals and had a great showing at Summer Speedo Nationals.  This resulted in two of our athlete’s, Lee Christensen and Lizzie Fitzpatrick, representing Team USA in Leeds, England.

This season is full of potential for new and returning divers.  Our video analysis system, Gymnastics for Diving and Pilates for Diving opportunities, along with state-of-the-art equipment and an exciting desire to help young athletes exceed their goals in and out of the water, this is sure to be a great year.  For a competitive challenge, we will participate in numerous sanctioned United States Diving and AAU events throughout the season.  The individual level of the athlete will indicate which events they will compete.

It is my goal as the Head Coach, as well as the entire coaching staff, to ensure that the divers will benefit from our knowledge and to provide positive experiences that will stay with these athletes for a lifetime.  Please visit our website at www.ncywwd.com.  I look forward to working with all of you this year, and if you have any questions or concerns before registration begins, please feel free to contact me at (203) 966-4528 ext. 159 or at .

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Somma, Jr.

Joseph J. Somma, Jr.
Head Diving Coach

Whirlwind Winter Weekend is an annual invitational meet held at the New Canaan YMCA. The 2010 meet attracted over 100 divers from teams throughout the northeast. Information about the meet is posted a month in advance of the event on the Whirlwind website and Divemeets.com

New members must schedule try-outs with coach Joe Somma, so that the athlete can be placed in the appropriate level.

Call Kristin Faig at 203-966-4528 x131.

Whirlwind Diving is for all levels of participants, beginner to experienced. Athletes are grouped and trained in the following levels:

NOVICE
BLUE
TRI-STATE
JO

NOVICE

• This group is designed for both the beginner with no background in the sport of diving and perfect for the diver who has a limited skill set.
• Participants will not attend meets.
• This is a 2 month class which meets 2 days a week for 45 minutes.

Dates: This class runs all year in 2 month sessions.

• Session 1 – September/October
• Session 2 – November/December
• Session 3 – January/February
• Session 4 – March/April
• Session 5 – May/June

Commitment: 2 days a week for 45 minutes

BLUE

• Perfect for divers with limited dives and who do not want to compete in meets.
• This level is ideal for athletes who want to start developing competitive skills, but not at an intense level.

Dates:

• September 21-December 20th
• January 11th – April 11th
• There will be an opportunity for a May session

Commitment: 2 days a week for 1 hour

TRI-STATE LEAGUE TEAM

• Perfect for divers with limited list of dives and who want to compete in dual meets.
• This level prepares athletes for competitions in a less stressful environment.
• Athletes will not be required to travel out of the tri-state area.
• Participants will need to know how to perform front dive, back dive, inward dive, front or back somersault.
• Athletes must also have no fear of learning dives from the three-meter board.
• $100 Fee (to cover membership for the league and competitions) will be due at REGISTRATION.

Dates: This program runs for 9 months in 2 sessions

• Session 1 - September 21st - December 20th
• Session 2 - January 11th - April 11th

JO TEAM (Via coaches invitation only)

• Athletes must have a JO list of dives in order to be in this group.
• This group is designed for participants who need a more exclusive practice setting.
• Athletes in this level will travel out of state for competitions: invitationals, regionals, east nationals, YMCA nationals, and JO summer nationals.

Dates: 9 month program SEPT-JUNE

Commitment: Varies by JO level

The YMCA

The Y is at the heart of community life throughout the U.S. with 20 million-plus members of all faiths, races, ages, and incomes. At its core are the volunteers, who work to provide community-centered solutions to the heath and social needs of their communities. Each YMCA is as unique as the community it serves, but a spirit of collaboration and openness - a mission to bring people together - is the shared value that guides the over 2,500 Y’s in existence today.

Parents Association Executive Board

The parents who volunteer to serve on the Executive Board are responsible to report to the Head Coach Joe Somma and to the Executive Director of the YMCA.

The current board includes: 

• President – Susan Singer

• Treasurer - BJ Bloom 


• Recording Secretary – Veronica Scribano
 


Class of 1998
Class of 1999
Class of 2000
Class of 2001
Class of 2002
Class of 2003
Class of 2004
Class of 2005
Class of 2006
Class of 2007
Class of 2008
Class of 2009
Class of 2010

Class of 1998

Katherine Mattison Princeton University

Class of 1999

Meghan Devine Loyola College
Andy Gabel Duke University
Ben Hopkins Amherst College
Charles Rathkopf Colgate University
Greg Simoneau Springfield College
Kieran Smythe University of North Carolina-Wilmington/Iona College

Class of 2000

Courtney Campbell Middlebury College
Katy Fishback University of Wisconsin
Megan Harris University of Virginia

Class of 2001

Tara Baird Georgetown University
Catherine Ceresa Duke University
Erin Lashnits Stanford University
Corey Pagnotta Penn State
Eric Schulik Clemson University
Laura Shaw Middlebury College

Class of 2002

Mike Klein Emory University
Casey Topol University of Kansas
Matt Belanger University of California at Berkeley

Class of 2003

Kylie Calzone University of Connecticut
Allison Coleman University of Connecticut
Alanna Hanson Middlebury College
Dylan Korn Rider College
Julianne Mifflin Dartmouth College
Steven Ratner University of Connecticut

Class of 2004

April Nizlek Columbia University
Jennifer Miata Clemson University
Greg Sinche Bates College

Class of 2005

Charlie Razook Princeton University
Jenny Goldberg University of Southern California
Sara Carlson Lehigh University
Cameron Murphy Yale University

Class of 2006

Brian Brockunier University of Maryland

Class of 2007

John Clark University of Massachusetts, Amherst
David MacDonald University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
J.J. Rogener Cornell University

Class of 2008

Carolyn DiMarco University of Connecticut
Jillian Hirsch Cornell University
Philip Morehouse University of Arizona
Brad Schott University of Connecticut
Kate Starrett Boston College
Carlin Dacey Northwestern

Class of 2009

Chloe Ring Bucknell University
Cassandra Ring Wake Forest

Class of 2010

Sami Bloom Tufts University
Kara Capossela University of Maine
Mika Cucullo Babson College
Annabel Enquist Emory University
Bianca Herlitz-Ferguson Cornell University
Manita Herlitz-Ferguson Cornell University
Meg Kratky Dartmouth College
Alex Leinroth University of Virginia
Hannah Singer Northwestern University
Danil Tyulmankov University of Massachusetts

Hot Line

The coach will record important messages about snow closings, etc. Messages can also be left on voicemail at any time of the day or night. 

Number: (203) 966-4528 ext. 301

Contact Us

Any suggestions or for more information, including team fees, contact Joe Somma at:

Phone: (203) 966-4528 ext. 159
Email: whirlwinddiving@aol.com

» View calendar

2009-2010 Novice, Blue and Tri-State Team Practice Schedule

» Novice, Blue and Tri-State

2009-2010 JO Team Practice Schedule

» JO

2009 Summer Schedules

To come

Coming Soon.

To come

To come

How I got Into diving

After I quit gymnastics in 9th grade, I decided to try out another high school sport, so I thought that diving would be the natural transition.  After 2 seasons of high school diving, I was asked to join the local club team.  After I moved to CT from MD, I joined Whirlwind Diving and fully committed to diving.

Competitions & Highlights

• 7th Place at Class M State Championship
• All Star Challenge
• Region 1 Spring Championships
• Kimball Cup
• Region 2 Summer Championships

Favorites

• Hobbies: listening to music, reading, going to the beach, coaching
• TV shows: Bones, Lie to Me, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl
• Food: Steak and Baked Potatoes
• Music: lots
• Movies: Mean Girls, Zoolander, Stick It

How I got Into diving

When I was 8 years old, I started diving at Newfield Country Club.  After I saw my friend learning dives and a front flip, I asked the coach if I could join the team, and from then on, I would skip my swimming practices to go to diving. 

Competitions & Highlights

• USD Age Group National Champion on 3-meter (2008)
• Speedo National Qualifier (2005, 2007-09)
• USD East Nationals Qualifier (2002, 2004-09)
• USD Spring Regional Champion (2004, 2009)
• USD Summer Regional Champion (2007)
• CAMO Finalist (2007)
• Connecticut Class M State Champion (2006, 2007)
• NISCA High School All American (2007-08, 2008-09)

Favorites

• Hobbies: Dancing, Singing
• Food: Chocolate Chip Pancakes
• Music: Whatever is on my I-pod

How I got Into diving

I was a gymnast for eight years. When I started high school, I wanted to try something new, so I started diving for my high school team. At the end of the high school season Joe invited me to join the Whirlwind J.O. team. The rest is history.

Competitions & Highlights

• 2008/09 All American Diver
• Silver Medalist, 2008 FCIAC’s
• Silver Medalist, 2008 CIAC Meet
• Whirlwind Winter weekend 2007, 2008, 2009
• Winter Regionals, 2009
• Summer Regionals 2007, 2008, 2009
• Lords of the Boards 2007, 2008
• Spinners 2007, 2008
• Team Orlando Invitational 2008, 2009
• Zones, 2009
• Eastern Nationals, 2009

Favorites

• Hobbies: Diving!
• TV shows: Ace of Cakes, Friends
• Food: Italian, Chinese, Japanese
• Music: Whatever is on my iPod
• Movie: Hangover

How I got Into diving

I quit gymnastics in second grade because it was too intense and then my dad thought I should try diving. After a week I caught on pretty quickly and decided to further pursue the sport. 

Competitions & Highlights

• 1st place 1 meter and 3 meter - 2006 YMCA Nationals
• 5th place 2007 FCIACs
• 2nd place 2007 States (Class LL)
• 11th place 2007 Ct. State Opens
• Top boys diver - Greenwich H.S. 07-08 season
• 1st place 2008 FCIACs in Stamford
• 1st place 2008 States (Class LL) in Hamden
• 3rd place 2008 State Opens at Yale

Favorites

• Hobbies: playing soccer, skiing
• TV shows: Flavor of Love, Da Ali G Show
• Food: Chinese
• Movie: Happy Gilmore

How I got Into diving

I watched my sister dive with Whirlwind for two years and decided I wanted to try so I gave up training for my black belt and have been diving ever since.

Competitions & Highlights

• Participated in regional competitions for five years
• Westchester County Champion 13/U 2007
• Westchester Counties
• Fairfield Counties
• YMCA Nationals 2007

Favorites

• Hobbies: Piano, singing

How I got Into diving

I got into diving because of my brother and my summer club. Seeing my brother do all these cool tricks and flips made me want to dive. Also, my dad inspired me because he dove for a little while and I just love the sensation of heights.

Competitions & Highlights

• Summer Regionals
• Spring Regionals
• Summer Nationals
• Spring Nationals
• Counties
• YMCA Nationals

Favorites

• Hobbies: Hacky-Sack
• TV shows: Survivor
• Food: Golden Delicious Apples with Caramel
• Music: Street Rappin’ and Soft Rock
• Movie: Blue Streak

How I got Into diving

I started at my summer club, Shore and Country, so I could hang out with the fun coach, Cory.  My friend, Maddie, was on the team and said it was fun.  I had been on the swim team and loved gymnastics so diving seemed perfect.  Another coach, Mike Klein, told me to try out for Whirlwind, so I did.  I’ve been diving with Joe ever since.

Competitions & Highlights

Invitationals are my favorites because they are laid back and fun.  After doing well at East Nationals, when I was 11, I qualified to go to Calgary with the US Team in spring 2005.  It was really exciting.

Favorites

• Hobbies: Taking photos, making bracelets, sewing
• TV shows: Will & Grace, One Life to Live, The Office
• Music: Anything- I always have my iPod!
• Movie: Anchorman, Harry Potter

How I got Into diving

Messing around on the boards at the Newfield Swim Club back in the Middle Ages (Joe was in diapers back then).

Competitions & Highlights

• World Masters Champion, three meter, 1996
• 13-time National Masters Champion, 1995-present
• College All-American
• High School All-American

Favorites

• Hobbies: Teaching third graders!
• TV shows: The Daily Show
• Food: Salad, spaghetti
• Music: Oldies but goodies (Beatles, Dylan, Stones, etc.)
• Movie: The Russians Are Coming (ask your parents)

How I got Into diving

When I was 5, I would watch the older divers at Shore and Country club, I thought it was cool to be able to do that. So at 5 years old I joined the Shore and Country pre-team. And I’ve been diving ever since.

Competitions & Highlights

I hold a couple of High score records at Shore and Country.
I love going on the trips to Y Nationals in Florida, it was such a great experience.

Favorites

• Hobbies: Drumming, Music, Trampoline
• TV shows: Scrubs
• Food: Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Chicken
• Music: Lots of different stuff, Late 90’s Classic Rock
• Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean

How I got Into diving

From being a travel gymnast and playing around on the boards at our club.

Competitions & Highlights

• Began JO Fall 2007
• Made the cut to Zones Spring 2008

Favorites

• Hobbies: Horseback Riding, Skiing
• TV shows: Life of Ryan
• Food: Chinese
• Music: All Kinds
• Movie: In A Whisper

How I got Into diving

I started diving at my summer club and loved it!

Competitions & Highlights

I just learned my inward 1 ½ (403c) on both boards!

Favorites

• Hobbies: Freddie, my frog; and my Smurf collection
• TV shows: That 70’s Show
• Food: Pasta and Lasagna
• Music: Twilight soundtrack
• Movie: Mama Mia and Twilight

How I got Into diving

I started diving in the summer when I was six years old. One day when I was visiting my friend’s club, an older girl came up to me and said that I should dive in the winter with Joe Somma. That following fall I started to dive at Whirlwind and just LOVED it; actually, I have loved every minute of diving since then.

Competitions & Highlights

• 11U 1m and 3m British National Championship Bronze Medal 2008
• 11U 3m USA Speedo National Champion 2008
• 11U Platform USA Speedo Nationals Bronze Medal 2008
• 11U 1m USA Speedo Nationals Bronze Medal 2008
• Broke two 12U FCSL records 2008
• 12-13 1m USA Speedo Nationals 9th 2009
• 12-13 3m USA Speedo Nationals 14th 2009
• Talent Development Program 2008

Favorites

• Hobbies: Trampolining, waterskiing, wakeboarding, shopping, and badminton.
• Movie: The Parent Trap
• Song: One Time by Justin Bieber
• Colors: Blue, Pink, and Light Yellow

How I got Into diving

I was swimming and diving at our town pool in Lewisboro when a coach told me she thought I had potential because I had no fear.  I joined whirlwind diving when I was 8 years old and have been diving ever since.

Competitions & Highlights

• Participated in regional competitions for seven years
• 2nd in Westchester Counties 2005
• Top 5 in Fairfield Counties 2006, 2007, 2008
• 6th at YMCA Nationals 2007
• 5th at YMCA Nationals 2006

Favorites

• Hobbies: Traveling

How I got Into diving

When I was 7 years old, a friend of mine was taking diving lessons at the New Cannan Field Club with Joe Somma. It looked like lots of fun, so I joined her. After two weeks, they asked me to join the competitive team, and I’ve been diving ever since.

Competitions & Highlights

• 12 & under Counties 1st place 3 meter, 2008
• 12 & under Counties 3rd place 1 meter, 2008
• Qualifier 2008 and 2009 Summer Zones

Favorites

• Hobbies: Dance, Photography

WHIRLWIND CROWNED REGION 1 CHAMPIONS

Diving against tough competition, Whirlwind captured the 2010 Region 1 summer championship held at the New Canaan YMCA pool from June 11-13th.  The depth of the Whirlwind program was evident throughout, as 21 divers qualified for Zones by placing among the top 15 in their respective age groups.

Leading the way were regional gold medalists – Justin Sodokoff and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick – who won both boards in 11 and Under Boys and 12-13 girls respectively.  Other Zone qualifiers included Sami Bloom, Kara Capossela, Lee Christensen, Connor Farrell, Meredith Jonker, Molly Klein, Steven Kreuch, Alex Leinroth, Timmy Luz, Amanda Molinelli, Kyle O’Donnell, Kyla Pech, Sam Scribano, Cameron Rhind, Margaret Rogers, Hannah Singer, Zach Slater, Emily Stotesbery, and Kylie Towbin. 

The Zone A Championships will be held in Pittsburgh from June 30th – July 3rd.  The top six divers in each age group at zones advance to the Speedo Championships while the next six finishers qualify for Age Group Nationals.  5 Divers – Justin Sodokoff, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Margaret Rogers, Lee Christensen, and Katie Warburg – have already pre-qualified for Speedo based on either a top 3 finish at East Nationals or a gold medal at Y Nationals. 

FOUR DIVERS PICKED FOR HIGH SCHOOL ALL AMERICA TEAM

Congratulations to Kara Capossela, Alex Leinroth, Hannah Singer, and Katie Warburg for being named to the 2009-10 NISCA All America team. 

WHIRLWIND WINS 10th YMCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the JO national team for capturing another YMCA national championship – the 10th since 1999! 

The team had two gold medal winners on the girl’s side—Elizabeth Fitzpatrick and Katie Warburg – who swept the 12-15 and 16-21 springboard events.  Lee Christensen was a third gold winner taking 12-15 boys platform.  Other finalists were Sami Bloom, Kara Capossela, Connor Farrell, Meredith Jonkers, Lauren Kahan, Amanda Molinelli, Kyle O’Donnell, Hannah Singer, and Kylie Towbin.

8 DIVERS COMPETE AT EAST NATIONALS —JUSTIN SODOKOFF WINS GOLD

Congratulations to Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Meredith Jonkers, Steven Kreuch, Timmy Luz, Margaret Rogers, Sam Scribano, Justin Sodokoff and Katie Warburg, who all qualified for the USA Diving East Nationals Championships held April 7-9 in Ohio.  Whirlwind finished a strong sixth at the meet.

Justin, a recent addition to Whirlwind team, led the way taking first place in the 11 and Under 1m event and placing second on 3m.  Other top 12 medals were awarded to Margaret (2nd in 1m; 6th in 3m) and Timmy (4th in 1m; 5th in 3m) in 11 and under; Elizabeth (4th in 1m; 3rd in 3m) and Steven (10th in 1m; 12th in 3m) in 12/13; and Katie in 16-18 (6th on 1m). 

Justin, Margaret, Elizabeth, Katie and Lee all pre-qualified for Speedo Nationals this summer based on either a top 3 finish at East Nationals or a gold medal at Y Nationals.

SAMI BLOOM NAMED ACADEMIC ALL AMERICA

Congratulations to Sami Bloom for being named Academic All American. Sami was recognized by the high school coaches association (NISCA), along with other top student athletes nationally that dive, swim or play water polo. 

WHIRLWIND CAPTURES FIRST PLACE AT WINTER WEEKEND

Whirlwind Diving won its third straight invitational at this year’s Winter Weekend held at the New Canaan YMCA in February.

The depth of the team showed as 11 divers finished among the top 3 in their respective age groups.  Elizabeth Fitzpatrick led the way with four gold medals competing in both 12-13 and 14-15 girls.  Katie Warburg swept the16-18 events, while Lee Christensen also won a gold in 12-13 boys.  Margaret Rogers and Steven Kreuch each won two silver medals, while other second place finishes were recorded by Kara Capossela, Alex Leinroth, Cole Anderson and Timmy Luz.  Timmy, Lee and Margaret also took home bronze medals, as did Bianca Herlitz-Ferguson and Sam Goodman. 

Thanks to all the parent volunteers for making the meet a success! 

TRI-STATE MEET SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 20th

The Tri-State team will compete in a league meet on March 20th.  The league was developed for those new to diving, and includes five teams from Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.  Meets are set up to encourage a sense of competition, while providing everyone with the opportunity to develop their skills.  Good luck to everyone on the 20th!

WHIRLWIND WINS SPINNER MEET

Whirlwind Diving won its second consecutive meet of the year at the Spinner Invitational held December 12th and 13th in Philadelphia.  The meet attracted 17 of the top teams on the East Coast with entries from Connecticut to Virginia. 

The team had strong performances in every age group.  Elizabeth Fitzpatrick had a great meet winning gold on both one and three meter in 12-13 Girls.  Four divers won silver medals in both their events including Amanda Pyne (9 and Under Girls); Timmy Luz (11 and Under Boys); Connor Farrell (14-15 Boys): and Alex Leinroth (16-18 girls).  Other top 3 performances came from Margaret Rogers who had a silver and bronze in 10-11 girls; Steven Kreuch with two bronze medals in 12-13 Boys; Kylie Towbin who finished with silver on 12-13 Girls three meter; and Kara Capossela who won a bronze on one meter in 16-18 Girls. 

Congratulations to all divers for a great meet. 

WHIRLWIND WINS LOB MEET

Whirlwind started the year strongly finishing first among 15 teams at the Lord of the Boards Invitational held November 21/22.

The team had eight gold medals with Elizabeth Fitzpatrick leading the way with a sweep of her three events in 12/13 girls.  Other first place finishes came from Sam Scribano (9& Under three meter), Margaret Rogers (11 & Under Platform), Lee Christensen (12/13 platform), Katie Warburg (16-18 one meter) and Bianca Herlitz-Ferguson (16-18 three meter). 

Congratulations to all divers for a great meet.  The next event is the Spinner Invitational in Philadelphia on December 12th and 13th. 

DIVERS SHINE AT CONNECTICUT HS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Diving for their high school teams, nine Whirlwind divers competed at the FCIAC and CIAC Class and State Open meets held over three consecutive weeks in November.  Congratulations to Katie Warburg who won FCIAC; Alex Leinroth who placed first at Class M; and, Kara Capossela who won gold at State Opens.  Whirlwind divers took 7 of the top 10 places at both the FCIAC and Class M meets, and then 4 of the top 5 spots at State Opens. 

Seven Whirlwind Divers Compete at USA Diving National Championships

Whirlwind was well represented at USA Diving Nationals with 7 divers making the journey to Moultrie, Georgia in August for the Speedo and Age Group championships.

The seven qualifiers included Kara Capossela, Lee Christensen, Connor Farrell, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Alex Leinroth, Margaret Rogers and Katie Warburg. 

At Speedo’s, the top Whirlwind finisher was Elizabeth who made it to the 12/13 girls finals on 1m and placed ninth.  She also qualified on 3m.  The other Speedo qualifiers included Alex on 16-18 platform, and Lee who dove all three events in 12-13 boys. 

At Age Groups, Connor had a great meet finishing second on 3m in the 14/15 boys group.  He also made the finals on 1m placing seventh.  In her first championship meet, Margaret was a second Whirlwind finalist with a fifth place finish on 1m in the 11 and under competition.  The other qualifiers were all in the 16-18 year old age group – Kara (1m), Alex (1m/3m) and Katie (1m/3m). 

Recap of the Whirlwind Diving 2008-2009 Season

It has been a great competitive season so far.  In the fall of 2008 our lady divers had an awesome showing in the high school arena with many top finishes at the county and state levels in Connecticut and in the New York Section 1 finals. Junior Kara Capossela was the top diver at both the Class LL State and Connecticut State Open Championships, while freshman Katie Warburg captured the Class M State and FCIAC titles.  Our high school boys kept up the great work during the winter with Mark O’Connell taking the FCIAC title. In June Kara Capossela, Alex Leinroth, Mark O’Connell, Hannah Singer and Katie Warburg were named to the NISCA All America team.

Our annual Winter Weekend was well attended and we had the privilege of hosting the Spring Region 1 champs at our pool where ten of our divers qualified for East Nationals.  Twelve Whirlwind divers will also be making a trip to the Zone A Championships after qualifying at summer regional meets in Boston and Pittsburgh.  Congrats to Kara, Lee, Connor, Elizabeth, Liam, Kady, Meredith, Steven, Alex, Margaret, Hannah and Katie.

The Tri-state team participated in a number of meets including the championships held at the Greenwich YMCA.  These young divers had an opportunity to show off their skills and gather competition experience. We look forward to seeing some of them move up to the JO team next season.

Whirlwind Divers take 5th place at Junior East Nationals

Seven Whirlwind divers competed in the 2008 Junior East Nationals in Rockville, Maryland, on April 25th, 26th and 27th.  Their outstanding performances resulted in an overall 5th place finish for the Whirlwind Diving Team! Competing on both the 1 meter and 3 meter boards were, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Lee Christensen, Jake Bowtell, Katie Warburg and Alex Leinroth, while Steven Kreuch and Carlin Dacey competed on the 1 meter and 3 meter boards, respectively.  Congratulations to all divers on a job well done.

Six Whirlwind Divers make the High School All-American list

Congrats to the following Whirlwind Divers who made the High School All-American list-Alex Leinroth, Carolyn DiMarco, Carlin Dacey, Mark O’Connell, Philip Morehouse and Brad Schott.  Way to go, divers!

Whirlwind Boys Take Top Spots in Connecticut State Championships

The top spots in the boys 2008 Connecticut State Championships in Classes LL, L and M went to Whirlwind divers.  On Saturday, March 8th, Mark O’Connell of Greenwich finished first in the Class LL states with a score of 439.60, Brad Schott of Wilton won the Class L with 435.10 points, and Philip Morehouse of Darien took first in the Class M with a score of 453.70.  Whirlwind diver Danny Schott of Wilton finished in 10th place in Class L (305.50), while Andy Rumore of Norwalk finished 12th (324.85) in Class LL. Congratulations to all!

2008 Whirlwind Winter Weekend Diving Invitational

Many thanks to the 180 divers, their coaches and parents, and all the Whirlwind diving parent volunteers for helping to make the 2008 Whirlwind Winter Weekend Diving Invitational a great success.

Tri-State 2007-2008 Competitive Season Comes to a Close

Whirlwind Diving’s Tri-State team finished its competitive season with Championships held Sunday March 2, 2008, in Bridgewater, NJ.  It was a great day for our divers to show off their skills.  This championship is the only time during the year when all teams in the Tri-State league come together to compete against one another.  WWD Tri-State Coordinator, Greg Simoneau, was pleased with all of the divers’ performances.  The strength that Whirlwind’s Tri-state Team brought to this year’s meet made it a battle for the top spot , with Whirlwind coming in a close second to LOB.  Greg looks forward to continued success with the kids through the rest of the year.

Alex Leinroth finals at Camo International meet in Canada.

Congratulations to Whirlwind diver Alex Leinroth for her final finish on both 1 meter and 3 meter boards in the Women’s Group B division at the 2007 Camo International Invitational in Montreal, Canada, held on December 6-9, 2007. Alex finished in 9th place on 3 meter and in 10th place on the 1 meter board.

Congratulations to Spinner Invitational Participants

Congratulations to all Whirlwind divers who participated in the 2007 Spinner Diving Invitational in Philadelphia, Pa. December 8th and 9th.

Whirlwind Dominates Connecticut State and FCIAC Championships

Whirlwind divers had an impressive finish in the November 2, 2007, FCIAC Girl’s Diving Championships.  The three top spots went to Alex Leinroth of Darien (414.45 points), Kara Capossela of Greenwich (397.75), and Jenn Abbott of Wilton (381.20), while Kate Starrett of Fairfield Ludlowe, Annabel Enquist of Greenwich and Hannah Singer of New Canaan finished 7th, 8th and 9th respectively.  Megan Kratky and Charlotte Black of Staples High School were 19th and 20th.

In the Connecticut State Championships held on November 7, 8 &9, 2007, Whirlwind divers finished strong again.  In the Class M Girls States, Alex Leinroth finished 1st (390.70), Jenn Abbott 3rd (349.70), Kate Starrett 6th (316.60), and Hannah Singer 7th (304.60).  Carolyn DiMarco of Weston High School won the Class S States (386.85), and Kara Capossela (392.45), Annabel Enquist (325.20), and Megan Kratky (266.10) took 2nd, 8th and 21st in Class LL.

On Friday, November 16th Whirlwind divers again took top spots at the 2007 State Opens.  Carolyn DiMarco placed 2nd , Alex Leinroth 3rd, Kara Capossela 4th, Jenn Abbott 5th, Hannah Singer 7th, Kate Starrett 22nd and Annabel Enquist 25th.

Whirlwind diver Cassie Ring of John Jay High School in Cross River, N.Y., finished 11th (355.80 points) in the New York State Section One Championships held on November 2, 2007.

First Win of the Season

The Whirlwind JO Team won their first meet of the season at the Lord of the Boards Invitational in Bridgewater, N.J. held November 16-18, 2007.

Tri-State Team hosts first meet of the season

The Whirlwind Diving Tri-State team hosted its first “Tri-Meet” with the Lords of the Boards (LOB) and the Southern Connecticut Diving (SOCO) dive teams on Sunday, November 11, 2007.  WWD coaches Greg Simoneau and Wes Mattice were pleased with the great turnout from the divers and their families.  The Tri-State divers have been working extremely hard, and the coaches were very proud of all the divers many of whom participated on three meter for the first time.

Whirlwind welcomes a new Associate Diving Director

We’re pleased to announce that Sergey Meshcherskiy has joined the Whirlwind Diving family as our Associate Diving Director.  We’re quite excited to welcome a coach with these credentials to our team.  Please visit the Coaches page to read more about Sergey.

How I got Into diving

I started out by diving for my summer club.  I had competed in gymnastics and I decided I wanted to take diving more seriously, so I joined Whirlwind Diving and now I love to dive all the time!

Competitions & Highlights

• 2008 Spinners Invitational (9U):  4th 1M & 5th 3M
• 2009 Whirlwind Winter Weekend (11U):  6th 1M & 3rd 3M
• 2009 Spring Region 1 Championships (11U):  6th 1M & 4th 3M
• 2009 Kimball Cup (10U): 1st 1M & 1st 3M
• 2009 Summer Region 2 Championships (11U):  3rd 1M & 2nd 3M
• 2009 Zone A Championships (11U):  10th 1M & 7th 3M
• 2009 10U County 1M Championships: 1st place
• 2009 17U County 3M Championships:  3rd place
• 2009 Age Group National Championships:  5th 1M & 3M Qualifier
• I am excited to complete platform in 2009-2010

Favorites

• Hobbies:  I love to dive and play soccer
• TV shows:  American Idol & Wipe Out
• Food:  Chicken Enchiladas
• Music:  My Ipod playlist
• Movie:  Spaceballs

Joseph J. Somma is the head coach of the Whirlwind Diving team as well as the Gymnastics Director at the New Canaan YMCA.  He founded the team in 1997.  Joe grew up diving at the Newfield Swim & Tennis Club, was a high school All-American stand-out at Stamford High School, and went on to Clemson University, where he lettered in diving for four years and was a four-time NCAA zone qualifier, an All-American candidate, an All Atlantic Coast Conference champion, and a team captain.

Joe brings a wealth of experience to the team as he completes his 21st year of coaching.  Joe was awarded the Robert Moss Award in 2001, for his numerous contributions to diving.  He is a lifetime member of USA Diving, and is the Junior Olympic representative for the state of Connecticut for this organization.

During his time at the New Canaan Y, Joe has also coached many top divers including four JO champions and three Team USA representatives that competed at meets such as the British Elite Championships and the Canadian/American Challenge.  His teams have included over 50 High School All Americans. 

In addition to the Whirlwind team, Joe coaches the New Canaan High School team, the Wilton High School team, Convent of the Sacred Heart / Greenwich team, the New Canaan Field Club team, and the Newfield Swim & Tennis team.  Joe’s enthusiasm coupled with his knowledge of the sport make him a dynamic and successful coach for divers of all levels.

Sergey Meshcherskiy, is the Associate Diving Director, and is entering his third year at Whirlwind.  As a full-time coach, he is involved in the training of all the Whirlwind diving team levels.  Sergey has an impressive diving background, and several years of coaching at the high school, collegiate and club levels.  Having begun his diving career at a very young age in his native Russia, Sergey has placed 1st and 2nd in numerous national and international competitions, including the Junior Russian Championships, the Cup of Russia and the Junior European Championships, competing on 1m and 3m springboards and platform.

Sergey occasionally dives in masters competitions and won all events in the 25-29 year old age group in the National Championships in Pasadena, California in August 2006, and East Meadow, NY in September 2007.  He also won all 3 events and held the world record on 1m, 3m springboards and platform in the 25-29 year old age group at the FINA World Masters Championships in August, 2006. 

In Russia, Sergey received a diploma in Sports management, and was a student of Law for three years.  In addition to the Whirlwind team, Sergey coaches at Wee Burn Country Club.

Wes Mattice joined the Whirlwind Diving coaching staff in September of 2006, and has been working primarily with the Tri-State and High School team levels.  Wes dove competitively for Stamford High School and Southern Connecticut State University.  He is a Masters level diver with the NCY Whirlwind team.  During the summer months, Wes is a diving coach at the Stanwich Country Club. Wes is also a freelance artist, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in studio art from S.C.S.U.

Corinne came to the Whirlwind Diving program as a coach in September of 2006, and has been working with beginner divers in the Novice level of the Whirlwind Diving Team.  On a personal level, Corinne has immersed herself in diving lessons and local Masters competitions since 2003.  In the summer, she is the Pool Director at Innis Arden Golf Club.

Allison joins the Whirlwind Diving program as a coach after a successful college career diving at the University of Connecticut, where she was the Big East Champion in 2007.  Allison is a former Whirlwind Diver, and competed at JO championships including Speedo’s and East Nationals.  Allison is a coach in the summers at the Middlesex Club and is Diving Chair for the Fairfield County Swim League. 

To come

Whirlwind National Meet Champions

USD Speedo Junior National Championship Whirlwind Qualifiers

USD Age Group National Championships Whirlwind Qualifiers

USD East National Championships Whirlwind Qualifiers

Julie Warburg has been instructing the JO team divers in Pilates and ballet for the past seven years.  She graduated from Brown University and has a background in dance and figure skating. Julie is certified by Power Pilates in NYC for mat and apparatus through the advanced level. She is also a certified New York City Ballet Workout instructor through the New York City Ballet.  Her daughter, Katie, has been diving with the Whirlwind program for the last 7 years. 

How I got Into diving

I was a gymnast, so my mom suggested summer diving at the Tokeneke Club. My summer coach, Cameron Murphy, convinced me to dive at Whirlwinds and I have loved it ever since.

Competition

I have been in a ton of competitions, like LOB, Spinner, All Star, Nationals, Regionals, Winter Weekend, etc.  My favorite meets by far were LOB, Nationals, and All Star.

Highlights

• Summer Regionals 2009:  4th on 1M, 6th on 3M
• Winter Weekend 2009: 1st on 1M, 3rd on 3M
• LOB 2008: 1st on 1M, 2nd on 3M
• 2008 Fairfield County Championships:  1st on 1M (new record), 3rd on 3M
• Summer Nationals 2008: 9th on 1M, 13th on 3M
• Spring East Nationals 2008:  3rd on 1M
• Spring Regionals 2008, 1st on 1M

Favorites

• Hobbies: Soccer, LAX, Gymnastics, Music, and hanging out with my friends.
• Food: Spaghetti
• Movie: Role Models, Step Brothers, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall
• Music: Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Asher Roth, and Shwayze
• Color: Red
• Dive: Full Twisting One and a Half (5132d)
• TV Show: The Office
• Travel: Holden Beach, NC

How I got Into diving

I watched the kids at the Middlesex Club and joined the dive team. My sister and I joined the Whirlwind team last year. We love it.

Competitions & Highlights

• 3rd on one meter and 7th on three meter at counties

Favorites

• Long boarding
• Boating
• Cheeseburgers

How I got Into diving

I decided to pursue diving after doing competitive gymnastics for years. Diving seemed like a natural transition for me and a way to get involved at my high school. So I joined my high school diving team as a sophomore and then began diving for Whirlwind my junior year where a number of my former teammates dove.

Competitions & Highlights

• Spinner, Whirlwind Winter Weekend, Kimball Cup, Region 1 Championships, Region 2 Championships

Favorites

• Hobbies: reading, hanging out with friends, sports
• Food: anything Italian, ice cream, pie
• Movies: Harry Potter

How I got Into diving

When I was 11 years old, my twin sister Bianca and I attended the Badger summer camp. Mike Darland taught an introduction class there, and he felt that both of us had talent. He invited us to try out his diving program in the fall, and very soon we were both “hooked” on diving.

Competitions & Highlights

• 2009
• Delaware Invitational Meet, 2nd place
• Marlins Connecticut Invitational, 2nd place
• AAU All-American Finalist 1m and 3m
• AAU Nationals Indiana 3m, 6th place
• AAU Nationals Indiana 1m, 7th place
• Westchester County Conference championships, 1st place
• Westchester County championships, 2nd place

• 2008
• AAU All-American Finalist 1m and 3m
• AAU Nationals Coral Springs 3m, 3rd place
• AAU Nationals Coral Springs 1m, 4th place
• Westchester County Conferences, 1st place
• USA Diving Zones qualifier

• 2007
• Wendy Wyland Invitational platform, 5th place
• USA Spring Regionals 3m, 5th place
• USA Spring Nationals qualifier
• Spinner Invitational 1m, 5th place and 3m, 3rd place

Favorites

• Snowboarding
• Wake-boarding
• Photography, Travel, Science, Animals, Music.

How I got Into diving

I started at Newfield, my summer club, to try it and I liked it so I started diving all year

Competitions & Highlights

• 2009 USA Diving Summer Junior Zone A Championships: 17th on 1M, 16th on 3M
• 2009 USA Diving Summer Region 1 Championships: 10th on 1M, 10th on 3M
• 2009 USA Diving Spring Region 1 Championships: 9th on 1M, 7th on 3M
• 2009 Whirlwind Diving Team Winter Weekend Invitational: 10th on 1M, 9th on 1M

Favorites

• Hobbies: Diving, Video Games, Swimming, and Fishing
• TV Show: The Othersiders
• Food: hotdog, chicken, and fries
• Music: Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship
• Movie: Star Trek

How I got Into diving

After I quit gymnastics in 9th grade, I decided to try out another high school sport, so I thought that diving would be the natural transition.  After 2 seasons of high school diving, I was asked to join the local club team.  After I moved to CT from MD, I joined Whirlwind Diving and fully committed to diving.

Competitions & Highlights

• 7th Place at Class M State Championship
• All Star Challenge
• Region 1 Spring Championships
• Kimball Cup
• Region 2 Summer Championships

Favorites

• Hobbies: listening to music, reading, going to the beach, coaching
• TV shows: Bones, Lie to Me, So You Think You Can Dance, Gossip Girl
• Food: Steak and Baked Potatoes
• Music: lots
• Movies: Mean Girls, Zoolander, Stick It

How I got Into diving

I first got into diving at the YMCA diving/gymnastics camp and I really got into it.

Favorites

• Hobbies: All of the sports I play!  Diving, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball, Skiing, Gymnastics and Tennis. And playing with my pet RAT (yea a rat not a hamster)
• TV Shows: The Office, Seinfeld, Sweet 16
• Food: Chinese Food
• Music: All American Rejects, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift
• Movies: The Simpsons Movie, The Ring, and King Kong

How I got Into diving

I got into diving from summer diving, and watching all of my friends dive made me want to do it. After I started to really get into it, I started to dive at Whirlwind.

Competitions & Highlights

• 1st at Darien Diving Championships 12 and under @ WBCC. 2009 1m
• 8th at Darien Counties @ Burning Tree 12 and 13. 2009 1m
• 3rd at Kimball Cup 12 and 13. 1m 2009
• 7th at Marlins 12 and 13. 1m 2009
• 9th at Kimball Cup 12 and 13. 3m 2009

Hobbies

• Skiing
• Eating Popcorn and Fruit
• Watching Re-runs
• Passing the football with my sister

How I got Into diving

One summer I decided to try diving with my friend at Shore and Country Club

Competitions & Highlights

• 10-11 National Champion on 3m
• 5 time national qualifier
• 2008 FCIAC champion
• 2008 Class M champion
• 2008 2nd place at State Opens
• 2008 High School All American

Favorites

• Hobbies: Making string bracelets, listening to music
• TV Shows: Gossip Girl, LOST, The Office
• Music: Anything!
• Movies: Harry Potter, Twilight

How I got Into diving

I lived 10 minutes from the Olympic training facility in The Woodlands, Texas (where Laura Wilkinson trained), so I began taking lessons at the age of five.

Competitions & Highlights

• 2003 - First competition in The Woodlands, Texas as a Novice.
• 2004 - Joined the Hoover Dive Club in Birmingham, Alabama 2004; competed J.O USA Diving Regional and National competitions (2005, 2006 and 2007); competed High School diving in 7th and 8th grade representing Hoover High School.
• 2008 - Joined Whirlwind Diving J.O. team in 2008, competed at the Regional and National USA diving and AAU diving meets.
• 2008 and 2009 - Member of the Wilton High School diving team.

Favorites

• Hobbies:  Photography, snow skiing, hiking and biking. 
• TV Shows:  Gossip Girl, Secret Life of the American Teen, Make it or Break it, Grey’s Anatomy.
• Food: ALL
• Music:  Taylor Swift, Top 40’s.
• Movie:  Mean Girls, What Happens in Vegas, Adventureland.

How I got Into diving

I started diving at my summer club, when I was nine. Then I decided to do it all year round because my coach said I would like it.

Favorites

• Hobbies: diving, volleyball, water polo, and skiing

How I got Into diving

Because my mom used to be gymnastics coach I was always able to do flips and cartwheels, and one day I went to my friends pool club and we were going off of the boards for fun and one kid comes up to me and says he can show me up so I say " I bet you could." But he was persistent and since my friends knew I could do a flip on my trampoline they forced me to do them on the board. YIKESSS!!!!!! So after that I joined my swim clubs dive team and started Whirlwind in the fall after that.

Competitions & Highlights

• 12 & under Counties 2 place 1 meter, 2009

Favorites

• Hobbies:  Trampoline, and track. 

How I got Into diving

I watched the divers at the Middlesex club and wanted to try it. After two years of summer diving, I wanted to learn more.

Competitions & Highlights

• 7th on three meter at Counties

Favorites

• Hobbies: Lacrosse
• Rollerblading
• Long boarding

How I got Into diving

When I was eight, my mom asked me if I wanted to try out diving. So I said sure and I really liked it, so I kept going with it. I first joined whirlwind, then I left and I couldn’t find a good coach. But I came back to whirlwind, and I love it here.

Competitions & Highlights

• 13 & under 3rd place counties 1 meter, 2007
• 13 & under 1st place counties 1 meter, 2008
• 18 & under 3rd place counties 1 meter, 2009
• 14 – 15, 7th place age group nationals 1 meter, 2009
• 14 – 15, 2nd place age group nationals 3 meter, 2009

Favorites

• Hobbies: snow boarding
• TV show: The Office / Burn notice
• Book: Harry Potter

How I got Into diving

When I was 11 years old, my twin sister Manita and I attended the Badger summer camp. Mike Darland taught an introduction class there, and he felt that both of us had talent. He invited us to try out his diving program in the fall, and very soon we were both “hooked” on diving.

Competitions & Highlights

• 2009
• Kimball Cup, 1st place
• AAU All-American 1m and 3m
• AAU Nationals Indiana 3m, 4th place
• AAU Nationals Indiana 1m, 11th place
• USA Summer Nationals qualifier
• Westchester County Championships, 1st place
• Westchester County Conference Championships, 2nd place

• 2008
• AAU All-American 1m and 3m
• AAU Nationals Coral Springs 3m, 4th place
• AAU Nationals Coral Springs 1m, 3rd place
• USA Spring Nationals qualifier
• Wendy Wyland Invitational platform, 2nd place
• Westchester County Championships, 1st place

• 2007
• Spinner Invitational 3m and 1m, 1st place
• Wendy Wyland Invitational platform, 4th place
• USA Spring Regions 1m, 3rd place
• USA Spring Nationals qualifier

Favorites

• Skiing
• Waterskiing
• Writing
• Soccer
• Digital Photography
• Spending time with my family
• International Travel

How I got Into diving

I started diving at the Bailiwick Pool Club.  I wanted to continue diving for the winter.  My coach recommended diving with the New Canaan Whirlwind Diving.

Competitions & Highlights

• 12 & under Counties 7th place 3 meter, 2009
• 10 & under Counties 5th place 1 meter, 2009

Favorites

• Hobbies: Diving and Gymnastics
• Favorite food: Barbeque ribs
• Favorite color: Pink
• Favorite TV show: American Idol
• Favorite movie: Home Alone