Illinois State Swimming & Diving Prepares For MVC Championships
Written by Tim Zalabak on February 15, 2022
NORMAL, Ill.- The Illinois State Diving squad looks to do their part at the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Iowa City, Feb. 16 through Feb. 19. First Year coach Tori Wood brings her SEC champion experience to lead the way for the Redbirds.
Coach Wood’s confidence is found in Kamryn Blake, the promising Illinois State junior. And freshman, Eva Reyes, the Tijuana, Mexico native.
“They’ve both been improving very steadily since the beginning of the year and should be looking to finish in the top eight next week during conference.” Coach Wood comments.
As Kamryn Blake has made significant strides in both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards with career-high scores of 253.73 and 235.35 during regular season meets, The Redbirds will look to Blake to pick up crucial points.
“Her consistency has excelled as well, so she’s really hoping to get into that a final next week and really show what she’s capable of doing.” Wood comments on Kamryn Blake.
The addition of Eva Reyes has brought even more strength to the Illinois State diving team.
“Her technique and basics, just her general foundation is very sound, so we’ve been just trying to improve her strength and work on harder dives for her.” Wood said.
As the Redbird divers work relentlessly for higher scores, more challenging and technical dives must be incorporated. Taking on new tasks is nothing new for the Illinois State Divers and Coach Wood pushes each athlete to their fullest potential.
“They’re completely confident in the tools that they have to be successful. I haven’t asked them to do anything outside of their abilities, part of that’s just building their trust as well.” Says Coach Wood.
The MVC championship is upon the Redbirds this week. Coach Tori Wood and her team of divers are ready to display their hard work in Iowa City.
