St. Thomas diver and senior Andrew Grabowski’s career is coming to an end.
Grabowksi competed at the NCAA Division III Region 1 Diving Championship, earning sixth place for the 1-meter and fourth place on the 3-meter March 2 and 3 in Chicago. He will be representing St. Thomas at the NCAA National Swim and Dive championship meet at the end of March.
Although he holds the title of two-time all conference in 1-meter diving and 3-meter diving, two-time conference champion in 3-meter diving and two-time diving MVP award for 2015 and 2016, Grabowski doesn’t swim for the titles.
“As division three athletes we are here because we love what we are doing and it’s not for money and for any kind of fame,” Grabowski said. “Our hearts are into it.”
Grabowski’s interest in diving began with jumping off of the diving well platforms at an outdoor pool that once held the Olympic trial in the 80’s in his hometown of Park Ridge, Illinois. He started competing at seven years old.
From there his passion for the sport grew, and before he knew it was attending rigorous two to three hour practices, six times a week for almost seven months out of each year.
“When I step on the pool deck, everything is just put on hold,” Grabowski said. “It is a useful tool to just forget about everything but diving. It’s wonderful feeling.”
Swim and dive coach Scott Blanchard expressed his admiration for the dedicated diver.
“When a coach has to work to get their athletes into a certain mindset it’s tough,” Blanchard said. “But with Andrew he has the mindset to keep going and working toward his goal. He is driven.”
With an outstanding record, Grabowski said that his achievements are just reassurance that he has improved. He views his time on the team as a learning experience as a diver and a person.
“I don’t dwell or focus on what I accomplished, it’s more about self improvement and reaching your goals. Diving is a mental sport and it’s a process,” Grabowski said. “The accomplishments have shaped who I am and have driven me for sure, but I don’t think they are my main focus.”
Blanchard said that even though these titles are a great representation of Grabowski’s ability, he believes that Grabowski doesn’t just leave it at that. Diving has become a part of who he is and he hopes that Grabowski will work to incorporate that drive later on in life.
Grabowski does not plan to continue his diving career but hopes to coach youth or high school club teams in order to help share his love for the sport.
“I’ve loved every moment of it,” Grabowski said.
Ava Diaz can be reached at diaz7981@stthomas.edu