Junior Kesha Naylor has been making a name for herself in the Arkansas record books ever since she stepped foot on campus three years ago all the way from Saskatchewan, Canada.
“I came on a recruiting trip here and I loved it.” Naylor said. “I was a gymnast before I started diving. My brother was actually a diver and he hated it. I begged my mom and she finally let me start and I loved it since I started.”
The Arkansas diving team is definitely glad Naylor decided to start diving. She has been leading the team since she started her freshman year. During her sophomore season she broke the school record in both the 1- and 3-meter dives. She finished fifth in the 3-meter dive at the SEC Championships last season and went on to finish 11th in the 1 meter. While her diving led the team in many meets, it’s her leadership that stands out most to diving coach Dale Shultz.
“She is a quiet leader, she leads by example.” Shultz said. “She is not a big rah-rah type, she does a great job in and out of the pool leading the team. “
Coming off an impressive sophomore campaign, Naylor and Shultz have high expectations for Naylor's junior season.
“The expectations are to qualify for the NCAA Championships and be an All-American.” Shultz said. “We also have expectations for her to go back to Canada and be part of the national team.”
“I want to re-break the records. “ Naylor said. "I want to keep working with the team and Dale in order to go as far as I can.”
Naylor’s diving will be put to the test when the team competes in the Houston Cougar Swimming and Diving Invitational on Nov. 15.