Flips, twists and somersaults have always been a part of Paige Hunt’s life. Idaho’s record-breaking diver started diving seven years ago as a sophomore in high school. Before that, she did gymnastics.
“I did gymnastics eight years before (diving),” Hunt said. “That really helped me transition… (making) diving a little bit easier because I had done gymnastics before.”
In three years as a Vandal, Hunt has broken all three Idaho diving records. She already had several Idaho records coming into this season, but she wasn’t satisfied and broke all three records again between Nov. 16 and Nov. 18, at the Houston Invitational. The junior from Mesa, Ariz., broke the three-meter diving record (316.90), the platform diving record (220.10) and the one-meter diving record (286.40) over the span of three days.
Hunt said the Houston meet is her favorite Vandal moment so far.
“It was just so fun competing against really good girls from LSU and the University of Houston and the University of Texas. Competing against these girls really helped me push myself and know that I actually am a really good diver and I can dive well.”
The records are broken but Hunt has the potential for even greater accomplishments.
“My huge goal is to make it to NCAA (Championships),” Hunt said. “I’m right there…so it’s a huge goal of mine.”
She said she also hopes to participate in the Olympic trials for the 2016 Summer Olympics. She will have two years after college to train for the trials.
Hunt’s coach, Chelsea Oates, said she knew she had an outstanding diver from the moment she joined the program.
“When I first got here, I saw the type of diver that she was and what she looked like,” Oates said. “I could tell that with a little bit of strength (training) she would be able to get higher and do more. Her form is amazing.”
Oates said Hunt’s combination of natural talent and hard work help make her such a dominant diver.
Hunt’s dedication to diving goes back to high school, where she competed for both Mountain View High School and the Sun Devil Divers club team simultaneously. Her talent caught the attention of then Idaho diving coach Niko Dalman, and Hunt accepted an offer to visit the University of Idaho.
“I took a trip (to Idaho)… it was just really pretty,” Hunt said. “I just loved going from a huge city — especially Phoenix — to a small town.”
Hunt attended Mesa Community College for one year as she nursed an injury before joining the Vandals in 2010, where she made an immediate impact on the team. She broke the one-meter record, established a score on the platform dive and qualified for the prestigious zone competition in her first year.
With one year and a half to go in her collegiate career, Hunt has potential for a bright future as a Vandal diver and beyond.
“Diving is a very mental sport, and she’s gotten a lot better at that and a lot more consistent,” Oates said. “I’ve always been a firm believer that if you’re consistent, you don’t need the huge scores that some people get. Finally last weekend at Houston, she put everything together.”
Stephan Wiebe can be reached at [email protected]