Saira Sandhu '26 Recruiting Profile

I started diving after being inspired by Quan Hongchan’s incredible performance in the 2020 Olympics at just 14 years old. At the time, I had already been a gymnast for several years and was searching for a new sport to dedicate myself to after having to quit gymnastics due to quarantine.

Shortly after I began diving, I quickly fell in love with the sport. The freedom to progress at my own pace, the seamless transition of my gymnastics skills, and the supportive environment all drew me in.

While diving can be extremely competitive, I’ve found the diving community to be very friendly and supportive. Practicing 4-5 days a week can be exhausting at times, but it keeps me fit, active, and, most importantly, in a positive mental state.

Speaking of mental health, I plan to major in psychology with the goal of becoming a children’s therapist. I believe this is the right path for me because I’ve always been empathetic, great with children, and have faced and overcome my own challenges with mental health in the past. It’s something I deeply understand, connect with, and relate to.

In addition to my passions for diving and psychology, music has always been a significant part of my life. Whether I’m playing one of the several instruments I’ve learned over the years or simply enjoying my favorite artists, music has consistently shaped who I am. It’s not just a hobby for me—music provides a creative outlet, a source of comfort, and a way to express myself in ways words sometimes can’t.