The ISU women’s diving team is looking to expand on last season’s success. They have now added what could be a crucial piece to the puzzle.

The Cyclones and head coach Jeff Warrick have recruited Haley Haynes, a two-time high school All-American and incoming freshman diver ranked ninth on the All-American roster for students from public schools to the team

The addition of Haynes to the team looks to improve what was already a very solid team of divers this year.

“She is excited about Iowa State and she is already good, which will help this season,” Warrick said.

The Cyclone divers are planning to build on the momentum of last season, where they finished sixth in the Big-12 Conference Championships in March. Warrick said it would be hard to repeat what they did last year because of inexperience, but Haynes’ addition could be valuable because she is bringing with her more than just a high ranking.

The Woodlands, Texas native has been diving for the past four years under the guidance of Bill Travis, who has coached such divers as Olympic gold medalist Laura Wilkinson and Troy Dumias, a 16-time National Champion and two-time Olympian.

“Bill has been my biggest influence in diving,” Haynes said.

Travis gave a shining review of Haynes’ work ethic and ability. He said he hopes she makes the 2008 Olympic Trials, and feels she is “definitely ready to break through at the senior level.”

“Haley is a hard worker and very dedicated,” Travis said. “She will be a valuable addition to the ISU swimming and diving program, and I know Coach Warrick will be pleased.”

Haynes has only been diving for four years, however. Before diving, she was a gymnast for 11 years when her career was cut short by a back injury for which she still receives proactive therapy.

Haynes chose Iowa State over the University of Alabama, Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas.

“I visited all four campuses and felt the most comfortable at Iowa State,” she said. “I felt very comfortable with Jeff.”

One of the reasons for that may be because Warrick’s style and personality are similar to Travis’.

With Haynes joining returning standout junior Hillary Nichols, there is cause for excitement regarding the upcoming season.

“I am excited to compete with her, and learn from her,” Haynes said of Nichols.

Warrick is reservedly optimistic for the upcoming season, pointing out that although the talent is certainly there, the team has lost a significant amount of experience with two freshman — Haynes and Tamsin Summers, of Schaumburg, Ill. — replacing two departed seniors — Gail Olson and Katie Herman.

That being said, Warrick points out “while they are young, they are already good divers.”

“We are very solid, and I won’t be surprised if we do well,” Warrick said.