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Iowa State University Athletics
Nelson Looks to Continue Success at Big 12 Championships
02.18.2011 | Swimming and Diving
AMES, Iowa- Iowa State diving coach Jeff Warrick is very proud of all his divers, as the squad has had a very successful season. The team has had many personal bests, but the standout has been junior Sarah Nelson.
Last year as a sophomore, Nelson competed at the Big 12 Championships and placed 13th on 3-meter and 15th on platform, becoming the sixth diver in Iowa State history to go over 200 points on a five-dive platform list.
As well as her great athletic performances last year, she stood out in academics, receiving the Academic All-Big 12 first team and the Melissa Fender Award.
Her accomplishments as a diver began when the Decorah native's high school swim coach encouraged her to try out diving, due to her past in gymnastics and dance.
“My favorite part about diving is that it's a sport that combines athletics as well as grace,” Nelson said. “I love that there always is a challenge and there are always new goals.”
Nelson is also leading the team in both 1-meter and platform, peaking at this year's meet against Missouri, she finished the dual with 272.70 points. In platform diving, she picked up the No. 1 spot for the year at the TYR Invitational, with 245.90 points, the third-highest score in school history.
“She has done a tremendous job this year,” Warrick said. “She has been strong on all three boards, as well as her focus and consistency has been great.”
Her hard work in both meets and in practices has paid off this season. Nelson earned the Big 12 diver-of-the-week honors for the first week of January, making her the fourth diver in Iowa State history to win this award. She has picked up three event wins this season, including a 1-meter/3-meter sweep during the double-dual meet against South Dakota State and Western Illinois.
With the Big 12 Championships beginning Feb. 23, Nelson has been practicing and preparing for the meet.
“I am really excited to go down and be with all of the other competition,” Nelson stated. “The energy and being with the best competition, makes me feel the best.”
Besides her hard work both in and out of the water, her connection with Iowa State diving coach Jeff Warrick has really has impacted and helped Nelson.
“I have had just a great experience diving at Iowa State,” Nelson stated. “Jeff is a great match for me, he has helped me grow both as a diver and as a person.”
Last year as a sophomore, Nelson competed at the Big 12 Championships and placed 13th on 3-meter and 15th on platform, becoming the sixth diver in Iowa State history to go over 200 points on a five-dive platform list.
As well as her great athletic performances last year, she stood out in academics, receiving the Academic All-Big 12 first team and the Melissa Fender Award.
Her accomplishments as a diver began when the Decorah native's high school swim coach encouraged her to try out diving, due to her past in gymnastics and dance.
“My favorite part about diving is that it's a sport that combines athletics as well as grace,” Nelson said. “I love that there always is a challenge and there are always new goals.”
Nelson is also leading the team in both 1-meter and platform, peaking at this year's meet against Missouri, she finished the dual with 272.70 points. In platform diving, she picked up the No. 1 spot for the year at the TYR Invitational, with 245.90 points, the third-highest score in school history.
“She has done a tremendous job this year,” Warrick said. “She has been strong on all three boards, as well as her focus and consistency has been great.”
Her hard work in both meets and in practices has paid off this season. Nelson earned the Big 12 diver-of-the-week honors for the first week of January, making her the fourth diver in Iowa State history to win this award. She has picked up three event wins this season, including a 1-meter/3-meter sweep during the double-dual meet against South Dakota State and Western Illinois.
With the Big 12 Championships beginning Feb. 23, Nelson has been practicing and preparing for the meet.
“I am really excited to go down and be with all of the other competition,” Nelson stated. “The energy and being with the best competition, makes me feel the best.”
Besides her hard work both in and out of the water, her connection with Iowa State diving coach Jeff Warrick has really has impacted and helped Nelson.
“I have had just a great experience diving at Iowa State,” Nelson stated. “Jeff is a great match for me, he has helped me grow both as a diver and as a person.”
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