As the Drury Swim and Dive team wraps up a season filled with victories, they are gearing up to head to the NCAA Division II National Championships with powerful momentum. Last month, the team won the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championship, positioning them perfectly for nationals, which will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in just less than two weeks. 

The Mirror had the opportunity to sit down with Israel Zavaleta, a six-time NCAA diving champion and diver at Drury University. He discussed his thoughts on the team’s amazing season and his expectations heading into the quickly approaching national championships. 

Zavaleta’s diving journey began 13 years ago, and although the early stages of his career were difficult, he quickly developed an intense passion for the sport.

“The first couple of weeks were hard because I didn’t really enjoy it,” he recalled. “You do a lot of basic stuff, but then it gets really fun, especially because of the team—warming up together, doing fun exercises. I just slowly fell in love with the sport.” 

Achieving the status of a six-time NCAA diving champion wasn’t easy, but Zavaleta contributes much of his success to hard work, discipline, and, importantly, the team dynamic. For him, the team’s success is just as meaningful as his own personal accomplishments. 

When asked about how he and his teammates stayed motivated throughout the season, Zavaleta highlighted the importance of teamwork. “Something that really works for me is just looking forward to seeing everybody give their all. They want to win; they want to be the best versions of themselves,” he said. 

As the team prepares for the championships, the focus has been on returning to the basics and refining the mental aspect of the sport. According to Zavaleta, preparation has been a balance of mastering the fundamentals and staying present mentally. “It’s about doing what you can do,” he explained. “It’s about performing and being in the moment.” 

With the NCAA-II Championships just around the corner, the Drury Swim and Dive team is poised to make a strong showing, fueled by the dedication and hard work of Zavaleta and his team.  

Photos courtesy of Israel Zavaleta