The world goes silent as senior Courtney Shostrand steps up to the board. In and out and in and out she breathes. This is her moment, her chance to prove she can do it. Her heart races as she soars through the air, and plunges into the water.
Shostrand, a fourth year diving athlete, placed 6th in the regional diving competition on February 6th and advanced to state, here she finished in the top 32 divers.
Heading to state is something many athletes dream of, but it’s a reality Shostrand worked towards despite all the setbacks thrown her way. After a heartbreaking cross country season in the fall that was plagued with injury, Shostrand didn’t let it stop her from making a comeback during the swim season.
Shostrand showed her resilience and hard work by using this as motivation to make the most of her last diving season, saying, “Making it to state makes up for the injuries I had earlier in the year.”
Although challenging, this rough patch was not her first brush with injury.
After being very close to qualifying for state freshman year, this season was a last shot for Shostrand. “During my sophomore and junior years I suffered through injuries,” she said. But these injuries weren’t the end for Courtney and she came back even stronger for her senior year.
Diving is a very difficult and precise sport. It’s one that takes not only skill, but determination and a strong work ethic, both of which Shostrand has. She says, “Diving involves a lot of concentration and technique and can be so satisfying when you accomplish things through the sport.”
State didn’t come easily for Shostrand, but she never gave up, and didn’t let anything stop her from reaching her diving goals.
Many athletes who advance to state competitions in high school have been competing for many many years, so it’s a testament to her devotion to the sport that Shostrand made it to state after beginning her career as a freshman.
What set Shostrand apart from others was her previous skill set. “I was a gymnast for 15 years, so I knew a thing or two about flipping, and diving just seemed like another version of gymnastics.”
As one door closed for Shostrand, another opened. Quitting gymnastics was not an easy decision, but it led her to far more success than she could have ever imagined.
While learning to translate her gymnastic talent into diving aptitude, Shostrand had some help along the way. “My grandma and papaw really helped me with this sport by the constant support and help they lent me throughout my career.” Along with her grandparents, Courtney also credits her parents and coaches for her success.
Shostrand has received messages from several colleges offering opportunities and scholarships. Shostrand has decided to focus solely on her future in nursing which has a challenging curriculum. Even though she won’t be diving at the collegiate level, she plans to participate in the sport if the college she attends offers intramurals, or non- competitive opportunities she can get involved with.
No matter what the future holds for Shostrand, the determination and work ethic she gained as a Cadet diver will help her succeed wherever she goes. In this way, Courtney’s accomplishments are not the end, but only the beginning of a promising future for her.
