Diving is defined as an aquatic sport that utilizes aerobics like twists and flips to perform athletically. Contrary to swimming, students involved must be gifted in gymnastics, balance and difficult maneuvers in the water. Despite the difficulty level, many GlenOak students have successfully found their passion in competitive diving.
Junior Ainsley Marcum made it to Districts three years in a row, and has been diving on the GlenOak team since freshman year. Following being this year’s Federal League diving champion, she placed 12th at 2026 district on Jan 19.
“I just really tried to get my dives perfect. It helped that I had a team I really connected with, and we tried to motivate each other. I also have a really good coach,” Marcum said.
Marcum was heavily involved in gymnastics until 8th grade, before quitting to pursue diving. There, she built a strong connection with her teammates and coach.
“Teamwork is everything,” Marcum said. “My team motivates me to do better on my dives, and we’re always there for each other.”
Marcum attributes her success in diving to motivation and focus.
“There’s a lot of motivation when it comes to diving because it can be scary, so you have to overcome the fear and stay focused,” Marcum said.
The diving team also saw the rise of a new star this February: junior Lucas Villejoin. Villejoin placed fourth in districts this year, allowing him to experience his first state meet, where he placed 19th.
At states, divers start with 32 dives, 8 from each district. The judges cut it down to 20 after five dives, and then to 16, and then they finished out the meet with three more dives.
While Villejoin was cut before finals this year, he is shooting for the podium in the 2027 state diving states.
“What helps me the most is when my teammates make fun of my dives. Because really, they’re critiquing certain aspects and it helps your form,” Villejoin said.
All in all, the diving team had a successful season of students reaching their goals and achieving major accomplishments. Both Villejoin and Marcum plan on continuing their diving careers with passion and determination.
“Don’t give up, when it’s hard it’ll be hard, but if you really want it you just have to keep going for it and if it’s meant to happen it’ll happen,” Marcum said.
