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BYU Diver Sets Her Sights on Nationals By Amber Albrecht, BYU NewsNet (1/21)
Jan. 21, 2000
The name Rachelle Kunkel-Smith doesn't ring a bell for many BYU students, but it probably should. Kunkel-Smith is one BYU's finest athletes, and one of the nation's top collegiate divers. Her career began at age 15 by sheer luck. Her plans to be a gymnast fizzled, but led her to a pool where she joined the high school diving team. "We moved to West Valley and one of the girls down the street knew that I had taken gymnastics," Kunkel-Smith said. "She told me that the team really needed divers and so I decided to try it. The coach sent me to the board and told me to do a one and a half. I did it and apparently it was pretty good, because everyone on the other end of the pool started watching." Now, six years later, this 21-year-old has earned numerous honors and awards for her performance in the 1 and 3-meter events.
Kunkel-Smith's success is not limited to BYU swim team. She has also worked her way onto the U.S. Diving Team and travels internationally as a representative of the United States.
This past summer, Kunkel-Smith traveled to Spain and competed in the World Student University Games. "It was awesome," she said. "I got 30th, and although I wish I could have done better, I realize that it was my first international meet, and I was really happy with my performance." "Rachelle is a phenomenal athlete," coach Keith Russel said. "She has a lot of discipline and talent. She's a great example for the team." Kunkel-Smith plans to continue diving with Russell for two more years. With her win at last year's Nationals in the 1-meter, Kunkel-Smith qualified for the Olympic trials, which will be in April this year. Although diving takes up the majority of her time, Kunkel-Smith has managed to fit in a few "extra" hobbies. She got married in December and is a full-time nursing student in her senior year. When Kunkel-Smith isn't studying or diving, she enjoys playing other sports and being outdoors. She said she loves being with her family and friends, and cooking new things with her husband. "I guess I just love this sport," Kunkel-Smith said. "To be spinning in the air and have complete muscle and body control is such a thrill. It keeps me in shape and it is always a challenge." Kunkel-Smith is at a level where she isn't learning many new dives, but she insists that every day is still a challenge. "You are constantly moving on. Maybe it isn't a new dive, but better form or a better entry. It's very fulfilling," Kunkel-Smith said. Devan Porter, a BYU men's diver said, "Rachelle is amazing. She's the girl on the team that beats us all and it's okay because she's who she is. She'll definitely take Nationals this year." As for a future in diving, Kunkel-Smith isn't so sure she wants to remain a competitor. "I would love to coach," she said. "My ultimate dream would be to return to BYU and coach. That would be awesome." Kunkel-Smith will lead the women's divers to the NCAA Championships in Indianapolis this March. And although that will be the close of the season for the BYU diving team, it is just the beginning for Kunkel-Smith.
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