Peyton Thurman '22 Recruiting Profile

Two days before the country shut down in March of 2020, my diving club team disbanded without warning, leaving me in shock and with a loss of a 4.5 year daily teenage normal.  I allotted a day to feel sorry for myself and then I quickly turned the situation around and found a new club to join.  The dramatic change proved to be the best thing that has happened in my diving history.  In less than 9 months with American Flyers Diving, I built a 5m and 7m platform list that I have competed at USA and AAU events.  I have also found great comfort in the huge family of teammates I have gained on my new team, who were once my competitors.  And, most importantly, I realized that I have inner strength, determination, an ease of adaptation to new people and places and great mental fortitude.  I feel this forced adjustment in my life is an asset to transition to college, new coaches and teammates.

My curiosity in diving began when I tagged along with my younger brother and his buddy to a trial practice.  At first impression I found I loved the art form of the dives and the laughter between divers that I witnessed that day.  I asked my mom if I could give it a try and have made everything about diving in college my main focus from that day forward.  I strive for pointed toes, clean lines, strong pikes and pushing myself to try new dives.  I hope to graduate in the top 10% of my class and find a college where I can balance a challenging academic schedule with the rigorous demands of my sport.  I want to make sure I find my family and mutual respect  in the locker room, strong guidance on deck and am treated as a whole person and not just a diver.   I have become an awesome baker and sewer over the last couple of years, so I will happily repair ripped suits and bring snacks and treats to practice.   I think these off-the-board skills will be assets to my team!