Ava Andersen '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ava Ryan Andersen and I am a platform and springboard diver in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am looking to commit to a dive program that is rich in traditions,  values community, and that has a great culture. 

I have been diving competitively since 2017, qualifying for the Florida High School (FHSAA) State Championship in 7^th grade, and each year thereafter. I compete on 1 meter, 3 meter, and platform.

I train under Coach Michelle Sandelin and Matthew Veike at Coral Springs Aquatic and compete Varsity for my school, Pine Crest High School in Fort Lauderdale. As a student-athlete,  I understand how to navigate balance between academics and athletics. My school is academically rigorous, with most students taking academically challenging courses and participating in several extracurricular activities. The academic rigor has prepared me to be an excellent student-athlete in college. 

Academically, I have taken several AP courses and competed nationally with the Technology Student Association (TSA), with a primary focus on biomedical research. Outside of the classroom and out of the pool, I am lifeguard. I have experience with both children and adults. Community service is also something that I take seriously. I have organized a toy drive and sneaker drive this year, as well as served in my community at Jack and Jill and Christ Church School. 

I have been an athlete as long as I can remember. I do not actually remember starting gymnastics, but I do recall my first year of competitions during my kindergarten year. I continued to compete as both an AAU and JO gymnast through my 7th grade year, when I was invited by a friend to try diving. It was on that day that I fell in love with diving. It combined aspects of the gym with the water, something that I have always loved whether it be a chlorinated pool or a salty ocean. During middle school, I was a cheerleader and competed in track. I qualified for the Junior Olympics in the Triple Jump.   In high school, I also participated in weightlifting. 

During my collegiate career, I aspire to compete in the NCAA Division I or III level. My collegiate goal is to attend a great academic school with a competitive swim and dive program.  I am very goal-oriented towards my academic and athletic career and will continue that trend throughout my collegiate career.  I believe that I will be a great fit for many schools because I have a strong combination of academic and athletic abilities.