Diving has been part of junior Kelly Hendricks’ life since she was a freshmen at Conant High School in Illinois. During that time, she was a four-year letter winner and qualified for states every year. Hendricks was also a three-time MVP.
When considering her college options, Eastern was her top pick. Hendricks is planning on majoring in Biology and Zoology.
“I decided to come to EMU to learn more in diving,” Hendricks said. “I liked the team and the coach. It was just the right fit for me to be here.”
In her freshman year, she recorded the second-highest score in the conference on the 1-meter board, which qualified her for
the zone championships. She also placed fifth in the 3-meter boards during the Mid-American Conference championships.
When she was a sophomore, Hendricks won an honorable mention Academic All-MAC selection. She also grabbed the third-best score in the MAC in the 3-meter dive event against Oakland. Hendricks snatched the fifth-best conference score on the 1-meter boards against Bowling Green.
At the MAC Swimming and Diving championships held in February, Hendricks snagged eighth place on the 1-meter boards and took home All-MAC First-Team honors for the first time. Teammate Briana Emig was also named to the All-MAC First-Team.
Like many participants on the swim and dive team, Hendricks appreciates the family she has been able to form with the other team members.
“What I enjoy most about our team is that we are like a great big family,” Hendricks said. “We all take care of each other and have each other backs.”
For Hendricks, diving isn’t just a sport, but a chance to connect with people and form a support group out of her teammates. Coming to Eastern was also an opportunity to perfect many areas of her life.
“I have improved everything in my life since coming to EMU,” Hendricks said. “My schoolwork, diving skills and even my relationships with the people around me. I have become more motivated towards my goals, and I know what I want.”
Besides being an excellent diver, Hendricks also enjoys reading and eating as her hobbies outside of the pool.
“I love food,” Hendricks said. “Desserts mainly. I could have dessert every day, all day.”
Along with her weakness for desserts of any kind, another thing that not many people know about Hendricks is her real name
is Amanda.
As a junior, Hendricks still has time to improve on her diving skills and reach the goals she sets for herself in the pool. However, she has accomplished numerous achievements already on the boards.
“My biggest accomplishment this year is winning the 1-meter MAC and being on All-MAC,” Hendricks said. “I have qualified for zones, and I made it to NCAA this year as a junior.”
