ISU diving team preps for its 1st invitational

Trey Alessio

The ISU divers are getting ready for their first invitational of the season, and some are preparing a little differently than they would for a dual meet.

An invitational is a meet with a larger number of teams and participants than a dual meet, where each individual event is scored based on how the individuals on a team dive.

Iowa State is only taking its divers to the Iowa Invitational on Friday, Dec. 6, in Iowa City.

“We prepare for an invitational differently because it’s a lot longer,” said senior Jessica Henderson. “You’re picturing yourself that day, mentally rehearsing, realizing there are more events, and you go through your list and focus in on one event at a time.”

Sophomore Elyse Brouillette is coming off a personal best for the 3-meter board against TCU after scoring a 329.48, which was nine points away from the school record. Brouillette and Henderson took three top-three finishes between the 1-meter and 3-meter platforms against the Horned Frogs.

“I’m excited for some great competition,” Brouillette said. “This will be a look ahead to Big 12s.”

Some of the teams participating in the tournament this weekend include Iowa, Boise State, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Washington State. Brouillette is hoping to improve her 1-meter score and Henderson would like to qualify for zones while being consistent and staying focused.

Iowa City is also where Henderson got her concussion.

“It might bring back some memories, but I’m just going to stay positive and focus,” Henderson said.

Henderson will be attempting a front full-out two-and-a-half somersault with a full twist on the 3-meter, which is new to her. She will also be attempting a front one-and-a-half somersault with a full twist, which she just learned three weeks ago.

“There’s no reason to not to do well,” Henderson said.