Isabella DiStefano

College diving has always been my dream and I have/will work very hard to get there. I have always loved the excitement of competition and, beyond everything, I have always loved diving. It is something that I definitely want continue through college. There is nothing that I would love more than to have the opportunity to represent my university as a diver.

On the pool deck, I often try to be a role model for the younger kids especial when they are struggling with new dives. I have even been jokingly called "Mom" by some teammates because I am usually the person to give a pep talk, have sunscreen, and of course, extra shammies. Outside of diving, I have been selected for many "leader" clubs by my teachers and classmates. In middle school, I was co-president of a kid run robotics club where another student and I held fundraising events where we were able to rise 3,000 dollars, (robots are expensive;)). From that we were able to buy a robotics kit and teach over 50 other students how to use them in our self created workshop. I was also a leader of a small fundraising club where we raised money to buy a service dog for a veteran through a student-run talent show. More recently, my sister and I started a local branch of a national organization and merged our club with a local high school's club. Through leadership roles on the pool deck and in school clubs, I feel I have gained a lot of very useful skills that enable me to thrive as leader in my community.

For me, I feel the best way to fulfill a healthy athletic performance is by seeing a sports psychologist. This is something that I have started doing in the last year as a tool to try and reach my full athletic potential. In addition, I attend practice 5-6 days a week, usually including a small-group private on the weekends. I also understand the importance of maintaining healthy relationship with diving and balancing my diving and school life.

Every summer I volunteer with Catholic Charities' "Camp I Am Special". It is a unique camp because it is one of the only camps in the country that offers a one on one experience for children and adults with specially needs. As a buddy at this camp, I am a camper's care taker/best friend 24 hours a day for one week. It is a truly moving experience to devote yourself to someone completely and to open your heart to someone who lives with their heart wide open to everyone they meet. As a person with dyslexia, I have always felt close to the special needs community. This camp is amazing experience for all involved.