Zakary Kennedy '24 Recruiting Profile

Involvement in sports has taught me many valuable lessons related to endurance and resilience. One quality I naturally bring to diving is my persistence. I don’t give up! Even if I failt to accomplish the perfect dive, or totally smack, I don’t beat myself up. I quickly, mentally, evaluate what went wrong so as to avoid repeating the mistake and I move on. I maintain my focus and I am able to quickly recenter myself for the next dive. I also apply this strategy when playing club volleyball.

With respect to my academics, the COVID pandemic has had a considerable impact on my school performance. Prior to COVID, my grades were above average, but the lack of in-person instruction and lack of social interaction was difficult. I returned to in-person school as soon as it was possible and my grades have been on the rise since.

Interpersonally, I am friendly and I get along with almost everyone I meet. I like meeting new people and I make a lot of effort to be inclusive and to generate team spirit and comradery. It is my belief that working hard as a team and supporting each other makes us so much stronger, even if we are diving individually.

Perhaps the biggest strength I bring to the sport is my coachability. I welcome candid feedback and accept it with openness, knowing it will make me a better athlete.

My plan is to attend and graduate from a 4-year college. My hope is to be a collegiate diver and I hope to be able to do so on an athletic scholarship.