Junior Rachel Renner recently won the 6-7A state championship for diving, and the team finished 13th  in the state. Though Renner believes the journey to achieve first was tough, she feels that her dedication and will-power to win was worth it, as she is now the state champion.

“It feels amazing,” Renner said. “When you work hard for something, it feels great to finally have it all pay off.”

Renner began diving after an ankle injury in gymnastics. Though this would seem to be a setback for Renner, she saw it as an opportunity for something new. Looking back on it now, Renner believes that her background in gymnastics had a major impact on her success. Without it she feels that she would not have the balance she needs for the sport, or be as good of a diver as she is now.

“My old gymnastics coach told me that I would be good at diving,” Renner said. “So after my injury I decided that it would be a fun transition.”

Diving is very challenging for Renner, mentally and physically, but she loves the sport and loves to compete. She believes that her future is bright in diving because of her work ethic and poise to overcome adversity. As state champion she feels that the pressure is even higher now but she is up for the challenge.

“I have been diving for four and a half years,” Renner said. “I have put a lot of effort into accomplishing my goals this season.”

Being crowned first place did not come easy, but involved many sacrifices for the diver. To be in perfect shape for the sport she doesn’t eat any sweets, and exercises four days a week for three hours. Since most of her time is consumed by dive and school, she also gives up free time with her friends and family. Renner believes her schedule is tough, but she knows it will pay off and help her performance tremendously.

“Making sacrifices can be hard sometimes,” Renner said. “But is a vital part in making your goals come true.”

Her coach Miriam Greene, believes Renner’s hard work has a major impact on the team, and thinks that Renner’s exceptional diving makes her a leader by action to her teammates. She sees Renner as the spark for the team, and feels that her performances push the team to do better.

“She sets the tone for the girls.” Ms. Greene said. “She’s a quiet leader by example.”

Now that Renner’s junior season is over, she has one more year to display her talent to colleges. After being named an All-American diver by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association, Renner is very confident and plans to continue working hard to accomplish her ultimate goal of going to a school in the South-Eastern Conference (SEC).

“The recruiting process is just begging,” Renner said. “I am excited to see where the process takes me.”