Katie Buchel '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Katie Buchel, and I am a competitive diver at the national level from London Central Secondary School in London, ON. I first started diving the fourth grade after I went to multiple recreational swims at my local pool, and grew an interest in jumping from the springboards and towers. Ironically, I had a huge fear of heights and various mental blocks Despite this, I was determined to get over my fears; and once I finally let go of my doubts, I knew that no matter how long it took, I would be able to do any dive I worked towards. This proved to be true time and time again, as in the summer of 2018, I was invited into the Diver Development program at my diving club, Forest City Diving Club. That season, I ended up competing at the provincial level; and even though I wasn't that good, I completely fell in love with the sport, and thus my dream to compete at the national level came to. 

In the following year, I learned many new dives as my technique and confidence were being built. Unfortunately, just when I was at my peak, COVID-19 hit and all my progress was lost. However, through this time of restriction and uncertainty, I never once considered quitting. And, in the end, my dream came true in the 2021-2022 season, when I attended my first nationals in Montreal, and was awarded "Most Improved Diver" for that season. In this current season, I competed at nationals once again, in which I placed 22nd in Girls A Tower, and developed an even greater passion for this sport. No matter how long something takes, I will persevere and always look for ways to better myself.

In regards to my academics, I am a hardworking student that has no fear in asking for help when I don't understand. I only put my best work forward, which is evident in my average and my honour roll award from grade 9, and I challenge myself whenever possible, such as by taking AP exams and enriched courses. Additionally, I have competed at the Canada Wide Science Fair for two years in a row, and I was awarded a bronze medal for my 2022 science project about calculating the angular velocity of divers in the tuck and pike position to discover which position was easier to rotate in. And, I am the Vice President of the STEM Club at my school. To me, academics are as important as diving, and I pride myself in maintaining both aspects to such high levels.

With all this being said, my biggest goal for the next two years is to dive on a university while diving deeper into my study of sciences, and I hope one day I can accomplish this goal.