Madison Harte commits to Bryant College in the D1 level for diving. Previously, she had placed second in the diving NVL. 

Harte is a viable aspect to the Woodland Girls Diving Team. She started freshman year of high school when her cousin suggested that swimming may be fun.

“My first practice of freshman year I did not care for swimming back and forth that much,” Harte said. “I looked across the pool to see four girls diving. I asked my coach if I could learn to dive, and when I stepped on the board I fell in love immediately.”

With some gymnastics experience, Harte was a natural. She enjoys the instant satisfaction of doing a dive correctly. Since swimming was not her perfect match, she tried diving and felt more at home. Although, diving is not as easy as she makes it seem.

“One roadblock I recently faced was at my state meet. I was on my 9th dive in an 11th dive competition, and I hit my head on the board,” Harte said.

Thankfully, Harte did not get a concussion, but the judges had to disqualify her from the meet so she would not injure herself any further. Even facing challenges throughout her diving career, these “setbacks” actually helped Harte stay determined and helped make sure that she would not quit. She practiced harder on land and recently just gained the skill that she had first been injured from. 

In sophomore year, Harte did not have a coach for half of the season. Yet, she made it to states in her first competitive year of diving, even without a coach. Being awarded “Most Improved,” Harte was able to be recognized for her effort and determination. 

Harte said, “I felt honored.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADISON HARTE