Moreno Makes a Splash

The life of a diver is filled with painful lessons. Just the slightest of miscalculations off that high-dive, and smack, that water won’t seem so giving.

So as a freshman in her first year diving, Quetzal Moreno of Franklin High School had plenty of growing pains. But they never held the student back.

“She is one of those kids who doesn’t complain about the pain of diving,” said Mike Retherford, head dive coach at Franklin. “She takes her licks and gets back up and does it again.”

Now in her junior season at Franklin, Moreno has plenty of success to show for her sacrifice.

The 16-year-old didn’t lose a meet during league all season and, after placing fifth of 22 divers in the Sac-Joaquin Section trials on Thursday, will compete in the finals on Saturday. The meet combines the Top 8 divers from the north portion of the section with the Top 8 divers from the south portion.

Retherford said it’s Moreno's innate talent and courage that has allowed her to excel so quickly, competing as a varsity diver since her freshman year. She earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award in both her sophomore and junior seasons.

We got a chance to catch up with Moreno, this week's Elk Grove Patch Athlete of the Week, before her Saturday meet.

What prompted you to begin competing as a diver?

I did gymnastics for 11 years and I quit after eighth grade year and really wanted to get into another sport. I figured diving would be a natural transition.

How much did you know about diving when you started?

I didn’t know anything about it.

Did you take to the new sport right away?

Not really. It was fun at first but I kind of got discouraged a little bit. But I love it now.

What was it that was discouraging?

All the other teammates were really good and I felt like I had a long way to go.

What types of things did it take to improve?

I just really had to pay attention to the better divers and listen to my coach. I’m a real fast learner though. I learn by observing others.

Do you now enjoy the role of leading by example for younger teammates?

Yeah, I like to work with younger divers. My little sister who is a freshman dives this year so I help her out.

In your sport, it can be painful to learn, huh?

Yes. Absolutely. No injuries, though.

What is it that you really enjoy about diving?

I really enjoy my team and my coach. The success has made it a lot more enjoyable too.

Tell us about your meet on Thursday.

It went really well. I am a pretty consistent diver. There was only one dive that I think I messed up on. But I’m constantly trying to get better and each time I get a little better.

What’s your favorite moment while competing?

Being on the board—that’s my favorite. When I am up there, I just don’t think about anything.

What else do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to dance, ride my bike, swim and listen to music.

Do you have future plans for diving?

Next year, I want to continue diving. I think I could compete in college but I don’t know if I want to do that yet.

Do you know what career path you’d like to pursue?

I want to pursue a career in health care as a nutritionist or a physical therapist.