U.S. PDCA
Supporting, empowering, and advocating for the professional diving coach at all levels

NCAA Zone Diving Championships Set Stage for Nationals: Zones A-C Recap
As the 2026 NCAA Championships kick off, PDCA Intern Mercedes Lobb recaps Zones A, B, C, which make up the most populated and competitive contests.
The 2026 NCAA Zone Diving Championships took place last week across multiple regions in the United States. The event brought together some of the nation’s top collegiate divers. As the last qualification competition of the year, the pressure was high. Divers worked all season toward this moment, hoping to secure one of the limited NCAA Championship spots. Within the NCAA’s multi-zone qualification system, Zones A, B, and C featured strong fields of competitors. These conditions created highly competitive events and compelling regional storylines.

PDCA President Chelsea Ale addresses 2025 year, outlook for 2026
As we move forward together, I wanted to take a moment to reflect openly and thoughtfully on the past year. This message is meant to serve as a State of the U.S. PDCA, but also as a thank you and a transparent look at where we have been, what we have accomplished, and where we are going.
When I stepped into the role of President, my primary goal was not to overhaul everything overnight, but to bring structure, clarity, and momentum to an organization that matters deeply to our sport. Over the past year, PDCA has shifted in meaningful ways, both behind the scenes and publicly, and that progress is the result of intentional work and the collective effort of many people who care deeply about diving.
One of the first priorities was stabilizing and professionalizing how PDCA operates. We moved toward clearer governance, more consistent communication, defined officer and committee roles, and regular meetings with purpose and follow-through. These may seem like internal details, but they are foundational. A strong organization starts with clear leadership structures and accountability, and that has been a major focus this year.

Tennessee’s Nick Stone goes from volunteer to donor, providing a true ‘gift of life’
Nick Stone is more than just a diver.
In fact, he’s also a donor. Stone, a senior at the University of Tennessee, joined the Gift of Life Marrow Registry in 2022 while volunteering at a registration drive. He was unaware then that his simple cheek swab would result in him being called on to aid his fellow man with an unforgettable gift. Even more surprising was that when he was summoned, it wouldn’t be for his uncle diagnosed in January, but rather a stranger months later.
See our FULL story after the link.
about
Mission
The core mission of PDCA is to grow and advance the sport of diving by supporting, empowering, and advocating for the professional diving coach.
Vision
Our vision is to create a thriving and sustainable future for the sport of diving by building a strong, united network of professional diving coaches.
Strategy
PDCA will achieve our goals by executing a strategy built on advocacy, education, engagement, and support of diving coaches at all levels.
events
the 5 areas of diving
COACHES
Coach 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
A competitive structure
that allows coaches
and divers to grow
and succeed at each level