North Allegheny graduate Maddie Mianzo had a productive month as a junior diver on the Carnegie Mellon women’s swimming and diving team.
Mianzo, 20, of Franklin Park, was named University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week for Nov. 18 after earning her first NCAA Division III regional qualifying marks of the season during the Tartans’ dual-meet win over Washington and Lee. She placed first on the 1-meter board (278.25 points after six dives) and second on the 3-meter (282.38).
Mianzo then earned berths in the NCAA regional meet in March at the Carnegie Mellon Diving Invitational in the 1-meter event (442.50 after 11 dives) and the 3-meter (460.30). She finished second in both.
It was the third consecutive season she qualified for the regional meet.
Tartans diving coach Alicia Gorman said Mianzo works hard in the pool and weight room.
“Maddie is a a key part of our success in dual-meet competition,” Gorman said. “Our hope is she will continue to improve.
“She improved her performance last year. Hopefully, that trajectory will continue.”
Mianzo placed 10th in 1-meter and 13th in 3-meter in the regional meet last season. She competed in the conference championship.
A two-time WPIAL Class AAA medalist in girls 1-meter, Mianzo said she continues to gain confidence, especially on the higher board.
“I came to college with barely any 3-meter experience,” she said. “I’m excited to keep working on new dives and improving my skills.
“My long-term goals are focused on qualifying and competing well at our championship meets, but I try to focus on smaller goals I can accomplish in each practice, such as improving my hurdles so I can work on bigger dives.”
Mianzo said she has worked through many fears.
Mianzo, who is studying electrical and computer engineering, said being tabbed UAA Athlete of the Week was a reminder hard work pays off, and it motivates her to continue making every practice count.
Gorman said Mianzo’s confidence has grown each season.
“Maddie has a positive attitude and does an awesome job balancing academics and athletics,” Gorman said. “It is exciting to see her grow into a seasoned diver and leader in our program.”
