Dive improves from early struggles

Junior+Nathan+Tran+begins+his+dive+off+the+board+against+Falls+Church+on+Dec.+11.+The+boys+team+won+by+a+score+of+192-109.

Junior Nathan Tran begins his dive off the board against Falls Church on Dec. 11. The boys team won by a score of 192-109.

Improved technique and a variety of dives lead the way for the AHS dive team, contributing a 3-0 and 2-1 combined swim and dive record through the first three meets.
The Atoms have done a great job of overcoming adversity and staying focused on the process of getting better every day. Emphasizing the daily routine has led to better results as of late.
“One of the biggest areas of improvement for us has been perfecting our dives and learning new ones,” junior Ben Nguyen said. “Our younger divers have also done a good job of overcoming their fears.”
Nguyen has also improved in his junior season, achieving a new personal best score of 170.
Areas of growth were always anticipated for the Atoms with a generally young team, standout performances from team leaders have been crucial in the young season.
A huge bright spot for the Atoms has been junior Nathan Tran, who qualified for regionals last weekend, Dec. 11 against the Jaguars. Tran scored a 202.10, which is high enough to automatically qualify for the regional tournament.
“I felt that I could’ve done better in the past few meets but I’ve qualified for regionals which is encouraging,” Tran said.
AHS will look to build off of the growth that they have seen over the past few weeks and continue to improve as the season moves forward.
“Since I don’t have to worry about my placing in districts, I’m going to focus on polishing up my dives and becoming more consistent for the remainder of the year and through regionals,” Tran said.
The Atoms will host the Justice Wolves in their final meet of 2021 this Friday, Dec. 17.