When senior Elyse Lee first walked to the edge of the Michigan springboard three years ago, she wasn’t sure what kind of splash she would make in college diving.
After a successful high school career, Lee wasn’t sure how competitive she could be at the collegiate level. But she knew the diving board would keep her coming back.
“Everyone can run, everyone can swim, but diving is a talent sport not everyone can do,” Lee said. “There’s a lot of fear with diving. You don’t have to be scared running down the track.”
But Lee wouldn’t let anxiety impede her competitiveness. Coaches and fans saw just how much talent the Albion native had almost immediately.
Lee qualified for the NCAA Diving Championships just three meets into her freshman campaign and has improved each season.
An NCAA Honorable Mention All-American in 2007, the senior has established herself as a dominant diver. Lee has collected a slew of accolades in her four years at Michigan, including a spot on the 2007 All-Big Ten Second Team and two Conference Diver of the Week honors.
Nationally recognized for its diving talent, the Big Ten boasts top diving powerhouses like Indiana, Purdue and Ohio State. The high level of competition has allowed Lee to polish her technique and performance.
“She’s just so consistent and a great competitor,” Michigan diving coach Chris Berg