Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/454492
89 T wo weeks of training was all that separated University of Iowa diver Abby Grilli's return from student-teaching to competing in a Big Ten Conference dual against Illinois on Jan. 17. "It was kind of surreal being back on campus and competing again aer taking the first semester off," said Grilli. "With not having class or any other distractions, I knew those two weeks were going to be an intense session of training leading up to the Illinois meet." e training paid off as Grilli posted an NCAA Zone Diving Standard on the 1-meter springboard, finishing third with a score of 289.50. UI diving coach Todd Waikel continues to push the fih-year senior. "Our goal is to make the final session at the Big Ten Championships and have a shot at NCAAs this year," said Waikel. "It's going to take a lot of work, but she's capable of it. We need to condense a lot of training into a small amount of time, but Abby is a focused, hard-working athlete, and she's going to do great handling all of it." e Burr Ridge, Illinois, native capped the 2014 season on a high note, finishing eighth on the 1-meter and 11th on the 3-meter at the NCAA Zone D Diving Championships. Looking to get back to the championship stage this season, Grilli understands the importance of still trying to enjoy her final year as a Hawkeye. "I've been diving since I was 8 years old and this is my last year as a competitor," said Grilli. "My only goals and expectations are to have fun and go out on a high note — knowing that I gave it my all. Lauren (Kelba), Joelle (Christy), and I have been here all five years and I want us all to go out on that same high note, without putting too much pressure on ourselves." Waikel credits some of Grilli's success to a philoso- phy by which she lives her life. When Waikel first met Grilli, he noticed a distinct characteristic that stood out and separated her from others — her positive attitude. "It started at practice when I overheard Abby men- tion something about 'PMA,'" said Waikel. "When I asked her what it meant she said to me, 'It stands for Positive Mental Attitude, and it's how I live my life.' "Whether she's having a good day or a bad day, she keeps that positive mental attitude and al- ways sees the glass half full. It's contagious and rubs off on her teammates and has caught fire around the pool. Now we all know what 'PMA' is." Waikel enjoys the positive vibes brought on by his senior group and encourages them to leave their mark on the program. A success-hungry bunch, they bring more to the table than just scoring at meets. "To have three redshirt seniors on the roster is invaluable to this team," said Waikel. "e three of them bring experience to the table with a competi- tive edge that we love to have in the pool. "ey've each achieved success at different levels and continue to lead by example for our under- classmen. Outside of the pool, they're role models in the community and classroom and that's what we want in our student-athletes." e Hawkeyes return to action Jan. 30-31, compet- ing at the Shamrock Invitational in South Bend, Indiana. FEBRUARY SCHEDULE Feb. 6 Western Illinois/UNI (M/W) Feb. 18-21 at Big Ten Championships (W) Feb. 25-28 Big Ten Championships (M)