FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YMCA National Diving Championships Highlight Standout Performances and Team Excellence, April 9–11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE YMCA
National Diving Championships Highlight Standout Performances and Team Excellence, April 9–11
From April 9–11, the YMCA National Diving Championships were held in Orlando, Florida, bringing together top youth divers from across the country for three days of high-level competition, sportsmanship, and achievement.
Representing the Huntington YMCA, athlete Alex delivered an outstanding performance on the national stage, earning 1st place in the 3-meter springboard and securing 2nd place finishes in both the 1-meter springboard and platform events. She also finished as the 3rd highest female point scorer overall at the meet. William Zipf, her meet coach, praised Alex’s exceptional performance and noted her talent – “I have coached a plethora of divers in over thirty years of coaching; Alex stands out as one such diver with incredible ability.”
Alex has been diving for about four years and has trained with the Huntington YMCA for approximately one year, building on a long-standing family connection to the organization. She trains about five days a week at Eisenhower Park, where she works on the one-meter, three-meter, and platform events.
“It was really exciting to compete at YMCA Nationals,” said Alex. “I had so much fun and I’m really proud of my results.”
Alex’s father, Chris, reflected on her performance and development as an athlete.
“As one of her coaches and her dad, I couldn’t be more proud,” he said. “She stayed focused, trusted her training, and performed with real composure against some of the strongest divers in the country.”
Chris also noted the significance of the meet’s environment, highlighting the supportive atmosphere that defines YMCA competition.
“One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was the encouragement athletes showed one another on deck,” he said.
“Even after difficult dives, competitors were cheering each other on. That really reflects the YMCA spirit.”
Nicole Dinolfo, Executive Director of the Huntington YMCA, praised Alex’s accomplishments.
“This is exactly what youth development through sport is all about,” Dinolfo said. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and the dedication she brings to her training.” The championships highlighted months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork, underscoring the YMCA’s commitment to helping young athletes grow both in and out of the pool. For more information about YMCA programs and youth opportunities, please contact your local YMCA branch.
About the YMCA of Long Island
The Y has been teaching kids how to swim for more than a century, providing lessons about water safety in a fun and safe environment. Every year, we teach thousands of swim lessons and are nationally recognized for our skill-building and drowning prevention efforts.
The YMCA of Long Island is a 501c3 nonprofit community-based service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, teens, adults, and families through programs and services that nurture youth development, foster healthy living, and inspire social responsibility. Long Islanders learn to live their healthiest and fullest lives inside the YMCA’s located in Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue.
Photos:
Description: Alex doing an inward 1.5 Somersault Pike Dive.
Photo Credit: Christopher Birrer
Photo 2:
Description: Alex diving in Croatia.
Photo Credit: Christopher Birrer
Photo 3:
Description: Alex with a medal in front of the pool.
Photo Credit: Christopher Birrer
Photo 4:
Description: Alex with her meet coach, Bill Zipf
Photo Credit: Christopher Birrer