This year’s dive team prepares for the season by strengthening themselves at practices to meet upcoming challenges.

“We’re doing really well, for Ocean Lakes, better than we have before,” said dive coach Katie Lorenz.

Before the divers perfect diving techniques and practice on the board, the team undergoes a variety of exercises, like sit ups, planks, and reverse crunches, to build muscular strength and result in a stronger core.

“Not a lot of people know about diving, they think it’s just jumping off a board but there’s a lot more to it,” said Lorenz. “I would say its 90% mental and 10% is working on muscles in diving that you don’t normally use.”

The team competed in their first meet on Nov. 30.

“It went better than I thought it did,” said senior captain Rachelle Jacob. “I was excited to see the other girls at the meet. It’s just such a good environment.”

Coach Lorenz shared her goals for the season. 

“Our goals for this season for everyone to compete. Since we only have four divers, so hopefully to get everyone to six dives. And the biggest goal would be to compete in districts,” said Lorenz.