On Wednesday February 19, junior Rachel Kirin won the OHSAA State Title in Division 1 Girls Diving. Even more impressive, Rachel has only been diving since her sophomore year. She had been a gymnast her whole life, but underwent surgery in both her shoulders which hindered her ability to compete at the high level she was used to. She was looking to try something different and had known some other gymnasts who transitioned from gymnastics to diving, so she decided to give it a try. She is now a state title holder in the sport.
A highlight of the state meet for Rachel was her final dive. “Heading into my last dive, I needed about 45 points to win—a high score in diving. As I stepped onto the board for my final dive, I took a moment to appreciate everything I had accomplished that day.” After completing the dive Rachel’s name moved up to first on the leaderboard as she had scored about 48 points. “I was beyond excited, but what made it even more special was hearing my friends and coaches cheer so loudly for me.” Rachel appreciates all the support she has gotten from her coaches and teammates throughout her diving career.
Rachel says that what gets her through the season are the incredible people by her side and her faith. “My parents are always there when I need them, and they go above and beyond to support me. I’m also so grateful for all my coaches—my gymnastics coaches, my high school diving coach, and my club diving coaches. Most importantly, I wouldn’t be able to get through the season or accomplish what I do without the strength given to me by the Lord.”
Lots of pressure comes with competing and succeeding at the State level. Rachel says, “I handle the pressure of competing at the State level by taking it one dive at a time. At States, we compete in 11 dives, so I focus only on the dive I’m currently performing, not the ones I’ve already done or the ones ahead.” This helps her to do her best, while simultaneously remaining relaxed.
Rachel’s biggest takeaway from the season is to focus on herself. “When I worry too much about winning, my scores, or how other divers are performing, I don’t compete at my best.” Throughout her career she’s realized she can only control her own performance, and when she focuses solely on that, she dives at her best. By shifting her mindset, Rachel is able to avoid getting overwhelmed and succeed in the sport that she loves.
State titles aren’t new for Rachel as she is also a part of the incredibly talented and decorated BBHHS Gymnastics team. “Balancing gymnastics and diving is exhausting and makes for an incredibly stressful few months, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Just 10 days after winning her individual diving title, Rachel and the Lady Bees won their 22nd State Championship in a row.
While she hasn’t made any commitments yet, Rachel would love to continue diving at the collegiate level and is currently navigating the recruitment process.
