Interview with All-American Diver Kara Cook

Kara Cook

TheWorkoutPartner.com is very excited to release our interview with All-American diver Kara Cook from Purdue University. Before attending Purdue, Kara went to The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas. In high school, Kara was a four-time All-American and Diver of the Year, two-time Texas state champion, seven-time junior national qualifier, 2006 silver medalist on platform, 2005-06 senior national finalist on tower, member of the 2006 junior world championship team, and a 2004 gold medalist at U.S. Open in 10-meter women’s synchro. She has continued her diving excellence in college. Some of her accomplishments thus far include earning All-American status with a third place finish on platform at the NCAA Championships, winning the platform title at Big Tens, and finishing second in synchronized platform with partner Audra Egenolf at the Speedo USA Spring National Championships. Kara has been very successful and she has worked extremely hard to compete at the level she is. We want to thank her for doing this interview with us and wish her the best of luck this season!

TWP: What role does physical fitness play in the success of a diver?

Kara: Physical fitness plays a significant role in the success of a diver. You have to be in good shape to spin at optimum speed and enter the water with as little splash as possible.

TWP:  How can a diver work on their technique outside of the pool?

Kara: Besides in the pool, we work out on trampolines, dryboards stationed over a foam pit, and we practice flips on the safety of a mat. We also lift weights twice a week to gain the necessary muscle to dive off the ten meter.

TWP: What helps you focus in right before performing a dive?

Kara: Right before a dive, I usually take a deep breath and think about my cues–one or two words that helps me focus on what I need to do. I also listen to music in between rounds so that I don’t get too caught up in the competition.

TWP: What drives you to work as hard as you do?

Kara: Determination drives me the most. I also want to make my coach and my school proud.

TWP: What has been the most memorable moment in your diving career so far?

Kara: I would have to say winning the Big Ten Championships as a freshman was my most memorable moment thus far. It was so exciting and such a thrill.

TWP: If you could give a piece of advice to a young diver looking to further their career, what would it be?

Kara: Don’t set limitations on yourself. Diving is only as hard as you make it on yourself.

TWP: What are your goals for this season?

Kara: I would like to win Big Tens on platform, qualify for NCAA Championships and Finals at NCAA’s to become an All- American again.

TWP: What is your ultimate goal for your diving career?

Kara: I just want to enjoy my college career. You can only be a diver for so long, and I just want to make the most of it!

Visit Kara’s Purdue athlete profile at: http://www.purduesports.com/sports/w-swim/mtt/cook_kara00.html