The girls' swimming and diving team has come a long way this year. There are 13 swimmers and 4 divers. “Preseason went well, the pandemic had us a little off-balance,” explains Coach Lacroix. She is very proud of her girls. The girls are strong, flexible, and ready to compete. Each swimmer and diver is improving every day. There will be no fans and a possible holding area where swimmers and divers will be kept until they are asked to do their event solo in the pool. Temperature checks are done at the door, right after each athlete enters the building, and masks are worn by everyone at all times unless the athlete is in the water.
This year the 4 divers on the team are Lily Leh (senior), Payton Turner (senior), Alayna Lovelace (junior), and Lauren Barnes (sophomore). Coach Lacroix spoke a lot about Payton Turner. “Payton Turner is a senior and she's pretty motivated this year,” says Coach Lacroix. At the end of last season, Payton made up her mind and took the summer and fall to work harder. Coach says Payton was the one person who consistently asked for preseason practice. Payton and Coach Lacroix tried to meet at least twice a week. Payton had come a long way.
Payton started diving last year in late October. She says “One of my close friends, Alyana, was telling me about how she attended practices over the summer, and that I should do it with her. I mostly did it for fun, and so I could stay busy during the winter months.” Currently, Payton does not participate in any other sports. She used to play field hockey, but quit to focus on diving. Quitting field hockey allowed Payton to achieve some academic scholarships. Payton’s favorite dive is a back dive pike. It is her most reliable dive because all she has to think about is jumping up, folding in half, and ripping an entry. If anyone inspires Payton regarding diving, she said it would have to be Alayna Lovelace. “She’s the epitome of fearlessness and determination, always pushing her peers to do better and excel in whatever they’re doing,” explains Payton.
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