Albuquerque, N.M. – Head Diving Coach Jeff DiNicola announced the signing of two divers for the 2003-2004 season today in California product Carrie Quinn and local talent Joanna Garcia. The duo will team up with current Lobo divers, junior Tracey Berghian and sophomore Becca Barras, to add even more depth and skill to next years squad.
CARRIE QUINNQuinn, a native of Laguna Hills, Calif., is currently a senior at Laguna Hills High School and a member of the Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving team. She has made appearances at the Junior Olympic West Nationals four years in a row and most recently placed 21st on the 3-meter springboard in the 16-18 year-old division of 2002s national event. In 2001, Quinn had her best showing at the JO West Nationals, placing seventh on the 1-meter, eighth on the 3-meter and seventh on the platform in the Summer Nationals that took place the same year.
Before deciding to join the New Mexico diving team, Quinn considered UC-Berkeley, Hawaii, Georgia Tech, Arizona and Arizona State.
Di Nicole onQuinn:
Im very excited to sign Carrie, said head diving coach Jeff DiNicola. I think she will dominate the platform in our conference next year and will be a definite threat on the springboard. I believe she has the ability to take the Lobos to the next level, the NCAAs, before her diving career is over. She will fit in well with the strong presence that Tracey and Becca have already established, said DiNicola.
JOANNA GARCIAGarcia is currently a freshman student at the University of New Mexico. She is a native of Albuquerque and a 2002 graduate of Sandia High School. She has been a member of the Lobo Diving Club for the past three years and will be a welcome addition to the UNM diving squad next season. Garcia is also the recipient of a local lottery scholarship.
DiNicola on Garcia:
Its going to be great to have Joanna on the team next year. She is a hard worker and has an excellent attitude, plus I am already very familiar with her as a diver considering she has trained with the Lobo Diving Club for the past few years. I see her improving her skills a great deal over her time here, said DiNicola.
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