From Persistence to Passion
By: Hailey Brinks
As the dive season comes to an end, here’s an insight on one of our divers.
Diving isn’t just about leaping into the pool; it’s about mastering technique, building strength, and pushing the limits of one’s abilities.
Diving is divided into five major categories: front, back, reverse, inward, and twisters. Within these categories, divers perform dives with varying complexities, including one-and-a-half flips, double flips, and twisting dives. Jayden describes his range of skills: “For front dives, I do front two-and-a-half flips, and for everything else, I do double flips. I’m even working on two-and-a-half flips for inward and back dives. For twisters, I do front flips with two twists and front one-and-a-half flips with one twist.”
Why diving? For Jayden, it’s a story of persistence and inspiration. “My old babysitter, who held the diving records, encouraged me to try it. At first, I didn’t love it, but my parents pushed me to stick with it. And now I can’t imagine doing anything else.” He credits his growing passion for diving to his supportive family, teammates, and coaches.
When asked about his future, he is uncertain about the path ahead but knows diving will always be part of the picture. “I want to continue diving through high school, and I’m considering college. I’m torn between soccer and diving, but I lean toward diving.”
What keeps him motivated? “Brodie, my teammate, is a huge motivator. We push each other to get better. My dad also keeps me on track—making sure I practice even on days off.” His determination and competitive spirit have fueled his drive to keep going, even on the hardest days.
In the future, whether he’s competing at the collegiate level or pursuing another passion, one thing is certain: diving will always be a part of his story.