The Other Side of the Coin

        Reflecting back on Junior, Senior, National, International, and Collegiate meets, I consider it a true honor to have been a diver myself, and to be able to have the opportunities that I had. During this time, it did not cross my mind that one day I would be watching my daughter, ElliReese, compete on the same boards which I had previously competed. Never in my wildest imagination could I have dreamed that I would have a daughter who would love the same sport that I fell in love with! It truly is the coolest adventure for us to be able to intensely love the same sport together!

        I have discovered that it is one thing to have been a diver, but a totally different thing to be a mother helplessly sitting in the stands. The thoughts that I have had, I actually never had while practicing on the boards! Some of these thoughts that I have had while watching ElliReese seem so comical to me as they enter my mind. I have decided that the mind and brain of an athlete are very different from the mind and brain of a mom; it’s certainly a different side of the coin. With every hurdle, I feel myself on the board with her. I find myself thinking... “Is she really ready for this new dive?”; “It’s just so cold today, do they have to get in the water?”; “The tower is just too high…she’s way too young!”; “Was that too close?” These are just a few of the thoughts that I have had over the last 4 years while sitting in the stands!

        What is my role now? Supporting ElliReese is my main role and that includes anything that she needs. Whether it is a hug after a hard practice, encouragement to continue to reach her goals, a trampoline workout together at home, or tears of joy with her after a good meet...it all is a part of it. ElliReese has had the same opportunity as I did to have incredible coaching. These coaches have played a huge role in her life as my coaches did in my life years ago. That part of diving has not changed.

        At the end of ElliReese’s diving journey, what do I want her to know? Diving has instilled many qualities in me that has shaped me into the person I am today; I want the same for her. I hope she can know that diving is just a small piece of life. Diving is just a God-given ability and not her total identity. Even though hopefully there will be lifelong wonderful memories to cherish, I want her to know that who she is as a person is much greater than her performance in this sport. I want her to love and be thankful for a sport that has given her life long friendships that span not only the nation, but across the world and to be humbled by a sport that has given her opportunities of a life time to experience different places and meet new people; I want her to know that these connections would not otherwise be possible. I, also, want her to see that while enjoying diving and just having fun, this intense sport will give her character qualities that will serve her well in years to come, such as: perseverance, love, humility, overcoming fear, learning to win and to lose, learning to cheer for her competitors, determination, and the audacity to dream big even when the dreams seem out of reach. I want her to realize that for her, life’s ultimate purpose is not a gold medal, but as Micah 6:8 states, to truly “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

        In my opinion, if ElliReese can catch a glimpse of these principles, then her journey as a diver, no matter where she finishes on any podium, will be a success. I have been trained and touched by this sport in a way that cannot be translated into words; it is overwhelming and humbling to think that my daughter has the same opportunity to be blessed beyond measure by the same sport. My hope is that one day we can give back to the sport of diving the many blessings that it has already given to both of us!

Written and submitted by Lauryn Niday.