Indiana University: A Legacy Written from the Diving Well
Indiana University Diving: A Legacy of Champions
From Bloomington to the Olympic Games, Indiana University (IU) has carved out one of the richest legacies in NCAA diving history. With 27 NCAA men’s titles and a growing dominance on the women’s side, Indiana has been a cornerstone of collegiate diving success for decades.
A Program Rooted in Greatness
The foundation of Indiana’s diving dominance was laid in the 1960s Kicking off with Rick Gilbert winning 1 meter in 1964, and with Ken Sitzberger, a four-time NCAA champion who won both 1M and 3M titles and his teammate Jim Henry followed with three consecutive 1M victories (1968–1970) and two on 3M, extending IU’s legacy through the decade.
IU’s diving prestige only grew in the 1980s and 1990s under Mark Lenzi, one of the few divers in NCAA history to win back-to-back 1M championships (1989–1990). Lenzi would later win Olympic gold (1992) and bronze (1996).
Other historic names include:
• Brian Bungum – Two-time 3M champion in the mid-1970s.
• Robert Bollinger – Dual NCAA champion in 1M and 3M during the early 1980s.
• Michael Hixon – 2018 NCAA 1M champion and two-time Olympic medalist.
Facilities Fueling Excellence
The Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center, named for the legendary IU swim coach Doc Counsilman and diving visionary Hobie Billingsley, stands as one of the top diving facilities in the country. It has hosted multiple NCAA Championships and serves as a training ground for national and Olympic hopefuls.
Leadership on the Boards
IU’s diving success is inseparable from its elite coaching. The program was built by Hobie Billingsley, one of the most influential diving coaches in U.S. history. His leadership laid the groundwork for future generations and helped IU become a beacon for top-tier talent.
Jeff Huber led Indiana Diving from 1989 to 2013, guiding multiple NCAA champions and Olympians. A 13-time National Coach of the Year and three-time U.S. Olympic coach, he elevated IU to national and international prominence.
Today, the legacy continues under Drew Johansen, 4-time head Olympic coach for Team USA and a central figure in the growth of USA Diving. His vision has drawn both U.S. and international stars to Indiana’s platform.
Modern Titans: Capobianco & Tyler
Indiana’s modern era has seen an impressive resurgence. Andrew Capobianco, a three-time NCAA 3M champion (2019, 2021, 2023), also captured Olympic silver in 2021. He exemplifies the elite blend of collegiate and international excellence IU strives for.
Then there’s Carson Tyler, a generational talent who made history as the first IU male diver to win an NCAA title on platform—capturing the crown in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He dominated the national stage by sweeping both the 3M and platform titles in back-to-back years, cementing his status as the driving force of Indiana’s modern diving dynasty.
Women's Rise to Prominence
The IU women’s team has steadily emerged as a powerhouse in its own right:
• Kimiko Hirai – IU’s first female NCAA 1M champion (1996).
• Cassandra Cardinell – Platform champion in 2005.
• Jessica Parratto – 2015 platform champion and Olympic medalist.
• Tarrin Gilliland – Back-to-back platform champion (2021–2022).
• Skyler Liu – 2025 NCAA platform champion, carrying the torch forward.
At a Glance: NCAA Titles by Event
Men:
• 1M: 12 titles (Sitzberger, Henry, Lenzi, Hixon, Henninger)
• 3M: 12 titles (Sitzberger, Henry, Bungum, Bollinger, Capobianco, Tyler)
• Platform: 3 titles (Tyler)
Women:
• 1M: 1 title (Hirai)
• 3M: 1 title (Loukas)
• Platform: 5 titles (Cardinell, Parratto, Gilliland, Liu)
Conclusion
Indiana University diving isn’t just about medals — it’s about legacy. It's about legends like Sitzberger and Lenzi. It's about Olympians like Hixon, Capobianco, Tyler and Parratto. It's about future stars yet to be named in the history at Indiana.
With a tradition of excellence, world-class facilities, and elite coaching, Indiana continues to define what greatness looks like on the diving board.