Looking for a new sport to cheer for? Look no further…the New Hartford Swimming and Diving Team offers lots of entertainment and excitement.
This article spotlights diver Juliana Allen. Juliana is a senior and has been diving since her freshman year. I asked Juliana what made her become a diver and she said, “When I was on the swim team, the diving coach asked me if I wanted to get on the board and I said, “yes!”
“Juliana started diving for me during her freshmen year, honestly I was so excited to get someone to be willing to come out and try a brand new sport,,” Mr. McFarland, coach of the Varsity Girls team, said. “I had a lot of admiration for her because she was willing to learn something new and continued to improve no matter how hard things got.”
Mr. McFarland’s admiration for Juliana’s talent started right off the bat. He knew right away that Juliana was willing to learn and he was impressed when she qualified for sectionals.
“I remember being so proud because I don’t think it was even on her own radar that she could do it,” Coach McFarland said. “ To show that much improvement and be able to compete after just starting the sport one year earlier[takes hard work and talent].”
Not only is Juliana deserving of getting in the athlete spotlight. Her character and the type of person she is should be recognized as well.
Mrs. McDermott, a New Hartford Senior high teacher, says her first impression of Juliana was that she was quiet and shy. But as time went on her personality shined through.
“Juliana is a genuine person,: she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She is kind, caring and treats others with kindness, ”Mrs. McDermott said adding that she also feels it is a privilege to be able to work with Juliana!
Juliana is definitely someone that you want to keep an eye out for! Not only is she an asset for team, she is also an asset for New Hartford High School!
