UCLA swim and dive ups intensity of preparation for weekend

The Bruins have a bone to pick with the Wildcats. Two years ago, UCLA narrowly won 157-141 against Arizona, breaking its 12-year losing streak against the Wildcats. The following season, however, the Bruins lost by two points. That same season, the team faced harsh conditions at the Wildcat Diving Invitational when the Bruins competed in […]

Despite inexperience, UCLA dive makes waves with strong team bonds

For UCLA’s divers, there is one major factor that stands out about the women that make up the team – their age. As both a small and a young team, consisting of only two freshmen, two sophomores, one junior and not a single senior, the team faces what some might see as a disadvantage. However, […]

Young UCLA dive team builds confidence in strong start, first meet of season

The UCLA women’s dive team had a strong start to their season at the Trojan Diving Invitational this weekend. Freshman Maria Polyakova finished first in the 1-meter springboard on Saturday while junior Montana Monahan got her personal best score 234.35 at Sunday’s platform event. The road to being the 1-meter springboard champion was not a […]

Senior Monica Dornick epitomizes swim and dive team spirit

In swimming, there is no passing of the ball between two players, no strategizing, no careful placement of athletes on a field. UCLA swim and dive, however, bucks the trend with its unique drills in practice, building a sense of solidarity within the team. “You notice it more in practice – the team atmosphere,” said […]

Coach Cyndi Gallagher stresses swimmers’ personal improvements

The sound of UCLA swim coach Cyndi Gallagher’s “Ready, go!” rings out through the Spieker Aquatics Center like clockwork. She reads off the times of her swimmers and gets right back on it: “Ready, go!” Every day at every practice, Gallagher unleashes her exclamations throughout the session, like a seemingly tireless steam locomotive. “They get […]

UCLA swim and dive bests UCSB and BYU in tri-meet

UCLA swim and dive was expected to do well against UC Santa Barbara and BYU, according to the swimmers. On Saturday afternoon, the team did just that. But there was a lesson in all of this, explained senior Monica Dornick. “Our coach told us to be gracious winners.” The advice was fitting, considering the UCLA […]