TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Athletic Communications caught up with diver Jecza Lopez ahead of next week's Missouri Valley Championships held in Waukee, Iowa, at the Waukee Schools Natatorium over February 26 – March 1.
 
Lopez, who joined the team midseason, achieved NCAA Zone C Qualifier scores this season in both the 1M and 3M Springboard events, and most recently set new Indiana State school records in both events at the last meet against Butler and Ball State.
 
The Guadalajara, Mexico native sat down for a quick Q&A as the Sycamores continue their preparations for the conference championships.
 
When did you first start diving, what is your first memory on the boards?
I started when I was nine years old without knowing how to swim after leaving gymnastics. My first memory was wanting to jump off the 3-meter diving board, but there was a problem because I couldn't swim and when I jumped in, one of my classmates was pulling me out of the pool.
 
What made you decide diving was something you enjoyed and wanted to compete in?
I've always been quite a competitive person and when I started diving, I realized that it was something I was passionate about and liked quite a bit. The more I did it, the more I liked it.
 
What is your meet day routine, what do you need to do to get in the right mindset to focus and compete?
I don't have a routine, but I usually get nervous before competitions. I think that's a good thing because when I'm competing the nerves are gone although there are some dives that make me nervous all I do is breathe and try to control my nerves.
 
What are some of your goals for the rest of the season as you look ahead to MVC and NCAAs?
One of my goals is to win or get a great result at the MVC and represent the school at the NCAAs.
 
What was it about Indiana State that made you want to become a Sycamore?
At first, I wasn't so sure. But as I talked to the coach, I was convinced the girls on the team and the coach are incredible and I really enjoy being here.
 
What is your favorite part about being a part of this team?
The great bond they have and how dedicated they are, they are always there, the support of anyone.
 
Who are your supporters (friends/family) that encourage and motivate you to continue to do your best out there?
They remind me of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it and that the love they transmit to me is enough to make it through the distance.
 
What is your major/emphasis of study at Indiana State?
Criminal Justice. Since I was 12 years old, it caught my attention. The more I informed myself, the more I liked it and knew that was what I had to study.
 
Up Next
Indiana State heads to the Missouri Valley Conference Championships over February 26 – March 1 at Waukee, Iowa, and the Waukee CSD Natatorium.
 
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