U.S. PDCA
has reemerged under new leadership, new ideas, and new technology to reaffirm its support of diving coaches across the country.
Swim & Dive Adds Nora Westkott as Diving Coach
Coast Guard Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Nora Westkott as the swim & dive team’s newest diving coach.
Westkott returns to coaching for the first time since 2010, when she served as a substitute diving coach for Coast Guard swim & dive during their annual winter training trip to Sarasota, Fla.; she took up the same role for the team’s 2008 trip as well. Prior to that, Westkott was the head diving coach at Connecticut College from 2001 to 2006 and head diving coach at the University of Rhode Island from 2000 to 2001, coaching NCAA Championship and NCAA Zone-qualifying divers at both schools. Westkott was also the Assistant Diving Coach at Rider College from 1999 to 2000.
Meet Native American high diver Kaylea Arnett
Already this season, American high diver Kaylea Arnett has made five podiums in seven events – including a bronze medal at the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in Bahrain three weeks ago. At 31, this is her first year competing on the 20m tower. Who is she and where did she come from?
Her energy is palpable on the phone. Her enthusiasm is contagious. And her spirit seems free when she’s about to dive from the 20-meter platform. After decades of diving indoors and a post-collegiate career performing in shows, she made her debut on the international high diving circuit this year and immediately became a consistent medal threat.
First high diving junior world champion crowned
Friday marked a historic day in Brasilia as the first junior world champion in high diving was crowned. Lacey Hema of Australia own the girls’ 15-16-year-old division on the 12-meter tower on the JK Bridge. Also on Friday, the 17-19-year-olds completed their first two dives (of four) on 15m. Find out what happened.
On Friday, Lacey Hema of Australia became the first World Aquatics junior world champion in high diving by beating two Canadians in the 15-16-year-old girls’ age group on the 12m tower in Brasilia. Hema led after each of the four rounds, and took gold decisively, 67.20 points ahead of Kelly-Ann Tessier of Canada who overtook fellow Canadian Fiona Keilly on the final dive for silver. Keilly claimed the bronze medal, as there were only three divers in the competition, all of whom celebrated their 16th birthdays within the last two weeks. Hema said she plans to pursue high diving as a career and is currently mentored by Xantheia Pennisi who placed fifth at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha in February.
about
The Professional Diving Coaches Association (PDCA) is a non- profit incorporated organization founded by Ron O’ Brien, Steve McFarland and Scott Pyle in January of 1983.
Mission
The mission of the PDCA is to support Competitive Diving Coaches.
Vision
5000 PDCA Trained Competitive Diving Coaches by 2030.
Strategy
Help Competitive Diving succeed in the 5 areas of Diving.
events
the 5 areas of diving
coaches
Coaches education is the central mission for the US PDCA
facilities
Maintain and expand facilities available for diving.
Insurance
Affordable insurance for Diving coaches to protect their programs.
MARKETING
Comprehensive national marketing that helps coaches bring in new divers.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
A competitive structure that allows coaches and divers grow and succeed at each level.