On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, North Penn senior Keira Allison was recognized for committing to continue her diving career at the University of Delaware.
Keira Allison – University of Delaware (Diving)
Major: Medical Laboratory Science
Final list of colleges: Delaware, James Madison, University of Miami
Reasons for choosing Delaware: “I really liked the way that the team at the University of Delaware interacted, and I felt like the team and the school would give me a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
What was the progression that led you to diving at the collegiate level? “It’s always been in the back of my mind, and probably my freshman year, I started thinking about doing it in college.”
Diving coach Kyle Goldbacher says:“As a coach, we often advise our athletes to focus on things that are within their control and not to worry too much about the things that are beyond their control. The funny thing about that strategy is that in order to focus on the things that are within our control, you usually have to learn to accept or be aware of all the things outside our control. Things like unexpected rule changes, the quality of the officiating, or the performance level of the competition, not to mention global pandemics. These things are clearly out of our control, but they nevertheless seem to regulate the parameters of our self-reflection. Sometimes when we look in the mirror, our memories get stuck between all these uncontrollable pieces. We only see ourselves on the surface. Maybe we blush when we remember the lucky grade we got, or we can’t conceal the blemish of a stunning defeat, but beneath the surface of what seems to be there hides something more real. Deep down in the memory of the heart, there shines a truth that can’t be disguised.
“For 10 years, I’ve watched Keira step onto the diving board and stand face-to-face with who she wants to be – she wants to be great, she wants to be a champion, but somewhere between the mirror and the reflection in her eyes, there stands adversity. Time and time again, some external force, something beyond her control obstructs her view. She’s ready, but her coach retires. She’s committed, but her club team dissolves. She’s on point, but the qualification standards have changed. She hits a dive, but the judges don’t know what they’re looking at. Over and over again, she’s looked in the mirror of her memories, and adversity is standing in front of her.
“I’d like to tell Keira it’s that very adversity that has built you into the leader you are – a captain, a diligent student, a fierce competitor. You are great, you always have been. More so, you’re resilient and tenacious and steadfast. I encourage you to keep being you. Keep working your tail off, keep demanding the very best from yourself, keep looking in the mirror, keep reflecting. The adversities you face may never disappear, but rest assured – the heart of a champion is rooted in those adversities, and dreams take flight when we begin to recognize the champion in the mirror. Good luck, Keira.”
About Keira:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: Gossip Girl
Favorite music: Country
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