Athletic Communications intern Liam Anderson sat down with UMBC junior diver Alicia Buteau. 

What inspired you to start diving, and how has your journey evolved?

I did gymnastics for most of my childhood and switched to diving fairly late. Because of my gymnastics background, diving caught on quickly. Some of my former teammates had also transitioned to diving, so it felt like a natural and exciting step for me.

What's your mindset like before a big meet, and do you have any pre-meet rituals?

I try to stay as calm as possible since getting nervous is easy. I listen to music to help me focus and go through my dives mentally before the meet. I usually listen to house music because it helps me stay relaxed.

How do you balance the demands of being a student-athlete?

It's challenging, but managing my time well and prioritizing my mental and physical health makes it easier to balance everything.

What advice would you give younger divers looking to perform at the collegiate level?

You should really just be your own spokesperson, advocate for yourself, and trust the work you've put in. It's easy to compare yourself to others and doubt your abilities, but staying motivated and confident in your journey is key.

Is there a race or performance you're especially proud of? What made it so meaningful?

Conferences are my favorite meets every year. During my freshman year, I performed well in the Navy Invitational, making it especially memorable. Conferences are meaningful because you see your hard work pay off, and it's such a fun experience with the team.

Who has influenced your diving career most, and how have they shaped your journey?

Since I'm fairly new to diving, I wouldn't say I know all the big names, but since I was so nervous coming in, my teammates have been the biggest influence. The conference has been getting better each year, but we all work hard together. They push me to improve, and we all motivate each other to be our best.

Outside of diving, what do you enjoy doing to unwind?

I'm an English major, so I love to read. I'm reading books for class, but if I had more time, I'd pick up something by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Last year, You returned from a mid-season injury to earn a point for UMBC on the 1-meter board at the America East Championships. What was that experience like, and how did you stay motivated during your recovery?

I've dealt with a back injury my entire time at UMBC, so I've learned how to care for my body to last through the season. Coming back from that injury and earning points was really rewarding because it's easy to feel discouraged when you're sidelined. Competing again was a great feeling.

Lastly... Why UMBC?

I'm from Georgia and wanted to go somewhere out of state and out of my comfort zone. I visited a few schools, but UMBC felt like home. I loved the team and the coaches, and it just felt right.