Sophie Mernitz is a senior diver who recently competed in State Finals in one-meter diving. Out of 31 state qualifiers, Mernitz was able to secure the bag and place eighth. Finals took place on Feb.15 at the IU Natatorium where she earned an overall score of 447.00.
On behalf of being eighth in the state, Mernitz accepted a brief interview about her experience in states and additional information people might like to know about Sophie Mernitz.
When did you start swimming?
I started swimming my sophomore year, the same year started at Cathedral. Prior to swimming I was actively involved in gymnastics.
Other than swimming, what are some of your other hobbies?
Other than swimming, I enjoy doing crafts, hanging out with my family. I also enjoy doing puzzles.
What drives your passion for swimming?
It started with gymnastics. To me they both seemed kind of similar. Except diving with your head, diving also includes flipping and spinning which I love. I felt like diving would be a great transition sport. Also, my older sister was a part of her diving team in school, so in some ways I followed into her footsteps.
Cathedral High School has no swimming pool, yet you've were able to place eighth in the state. How do you practice?
I have Cathedral practices one day out of the week, then the rest of my practices are club practices. Club USA diving meets one-meter three-meter and platform. High schools only have one-meter. I typically practice six days a week.
Do you have a favorite dive?
I don’t necessarily have a have a favorite dive, however I find the pike to be the cleanest.
Name your most embarrassing moment while swimming, it can be a meet, or it can be practice.
In general, when doing a dive wrong and hitting the water inaccurately looks funny and embarrassing.
What is your advice for future swimmers striving to be top in the State?
Cathedral needs more divers at Cathedral. All girl divers are seniors and if you’re interested to definitely try it. My advice is if you can’t do it now, practice and most importantly have patience with yourself.
Do you have a team nickname everyone calls you?
Everyone usually calls me Soph. My diving friends from club call me Loph.
What was going through your head during States?
I was mostly just trying to focus on each dive. Not getting ahead of myself and to form the best of my ability.
What was your favorite experience at States?
State was really fun because I found it a really competitive meet and I nobody knew really where they would place.
As a senior, do you have any future plans after high school?
I am going to be diving at the University of Iowa and will be studying Bio Mechanical Engineering.