Jacintha Thomas '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is Jacintha and I'm a diver from Iowa City, Iowa.  I grew up as a gymnast spending 20-22 hours at the gym every week.  Right before my freshman year an injury caused me to retire from the gym.  I couldn't see my life without flipping and twisting through the air, so when I went to join my school's swim team I decided to try diving while I was there.  Little did I know that I would fall in love with the sport.  I hadn't enjoyed myself in a sport as much as I did with diving.  I went to practice everyday eager to learn, and I improved a lot faster than anyone expected.  After our first meet I was placed on the varsity team and I even made the state team my freshman year.  Since then I've become a team captain, broke the school records for 6 and 11 dives multiple times, broke the MVC conference record, Mary Fischbach's state meet record, about 10 other school's pool records and this season I finally claimed the State Champion title from a three time title holder. I've been KCRG's athlete of the week, Hy-Vee's Horizon athlete of the week, and I've been awarded the Senior Scholastic award, several First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State awards as well as Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State awards. Outside of the pool I'm one of the top students in my class with and unweighted GPA of 4.0.  I'm on my school's honor roll as well as being a member of the National Honor Society.  I'm involved in my school's band and orchestra programs, and I'm a freshman mentor and a teacher's assistant for our biology program.  I've learned how to maintain good grades with a packed schedule, and I've learned how to be a leader and teach those who look up to me.  I enjoy challenging myself both in and out of the pool, and I'm looking for a school that prides both their athletic and academic programs.  Diving has become something that I'm extremely passionate about and I would love to continue with in college. I'm always willing to go to practices and I'm always trying to improve.  Every practice I strive to get better and I'm looking to find a coach who will push me to reach my full potential.  I don't want to waste any of the ability that I have, but at the same time a want a coach who has the patience to get me through rough times and mental blocks.  I'm not only looking for a team, but a family that will welcome me and support me through it all. I know that I have what it takes to be a college athlete, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that my future holds.