John Courtemanche '22 Recruiting Profile

I have loved jumping on my backyard trampoline since I was eight years old, so when I discovered that my high school had a dive team there was no question in my mind I would try out for it! Although I had only had five weeks of diving instruction before joining my high school dive team as a freshman, I knew I was in the right place immediately! At first, I struggled to unlearn some things like landing feet first, but my years of back yard trampoline had helped me also. I am great with spotting, flipping and twisting.

My first year of diving exceeded my goals and dreams! It was so exciting to place first in my league championship and set a new record with 422.70 points. It was even more amazing to qualify for the 2018-2019 Connecticut State Open (2nd place) and go on to compete, placing 16th overall and as the highest finishing freshman. I can’t wait for the 2019-2020 season! Winning is not all that’s important to me. I love being part of a team. Through dive, I’ve made amazing new friends on my high school team as well as with other competitive divers.

Dive has also helped me learn how to focus and become a more disciplined athlete and student. During my first year, I had to learn how to balance my schoolwork, sports practice and my social life. Another great thing about dive is that it’s made me more interested in school. I’ve always planned on going to college, but now I dream about diving on a college team. This year, I am striving to improve my academics and raise my GPA so that colleges will want me as a diver and student.