The Diving Pod

Heath and Aaron break down USA Diving’s Junior and Senior Nationals, taking a closer look at the performances, standout divers, big moments, and storylines from both levels of competition.

From the next generation of rising stars to the athletes competing at the highest level, they discuss what stood out throughout the championships and what these results could mean for the future of American diving. A full recap packed with diving, competition, and plenty of opinions from Heath and Aaron.

Heath and Aaron sit down for a casual conversation about some of the behind-the-scenes situations that come with the sport. They share their perspectives on the diving world and take a deeper look at a situation Heath recently worked through with USA Diving, giving listeners a glimpse into what happens away from the pool and the challenges coaches can face when advocating for their athletes.

It’s a relaxed conversation filled with diving talk, coaching stories, and the real-world side of navigating the sport at the highest levels.

This week on The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the great coaches in Division II diving, Areal Vanden Akker of Davenport University!

Areal takes us through her journey from diver to coach, her passion for developing athletes, and the work she has done building Davenport into a growing force in collegiate diving. From coaching young divers to guiding athletes onto the biggest stages in Division II, Areal shares the lessons, experiences, and philosophy that have shaped her career.

Join us as we talk about diving camps, helping talented divers as they get into the sport and more!

On this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Maria Faoro, a rising sophomore at Auburn University.  Maria reflects on her unique path in diving, representing Brazil on the international stage, and how those experiences prepared her for the transition to one of the premier diving programs in the country at Auburn.

We dive into what it was like adjusting to college athletics, training under Auburn's coaching staff, balancing academics with the demands of SEC competition, and the lessons learned during her freshman season. Maria also shares her goals heading into year two, how she's working to elevate her diving to the next level, and what excites her most about the future of her career. 

Whether you're a young diver navigating the recruiting process, a fan of collegiate diving, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind rising stars, this episode offers an inside look at the dedication, resilience, and passion that continue to drive Maria Faoro's success.

On this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the brightest young stars in the sport, ElliReese Niday. Already making history before even reaching high school, ElliReese shares the journey that's made her one of the most exciting prospects in USA Diving.

From dominating the junior ranks to becoming one of the youngest senior national champions in recent history, ElliReese discusses what it's like competing against the nation's best, handling the pressure of skyrocketing expectations, and staying grounded while chasing Olympic dreams. She opens up about her training, the sacrifices behind her rapid rise, and the family support system that's helped shape her into one of Team USA's fastest-rising talents.

We also dive into her biggest moments on the platform, what she's learned from competing internationally, her goals for the future, and why she's determined to keep improving every day. Whether you're a young diver looking for inspiration or a lifelong fan of the sport, ElliReese's passion, maturity, and love for diving shine throughout this conversation.

Don't miss this inspiring episode with a diver who is proving that age is just a number and whose journey is only getting started.

On this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Samm Helmboldt, a rising senior at the University of Louisville. From growing up in Arizona, to Midland, Texas. Samm shares the journey that shaped her into an NCAA qualifier and ACC standout.

 

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Mike Flamm to share his journey through the sport and his experience as a member of the storied Clarion Golden Eagles diving program.

Mike reflects on how he first got involved in diving, the challenges he faced throughout his career, and the moments that shaped him both as an athlete and as a person. He talks about what drew him to Clarion, the culture within the program, and the lessons he's learned from competing at the collegiate level.

In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with rising star Dash Glasberg to discuss his journey through the sport and what it takes to compete at one of the nation's premier diving programs.

Dash shares how he got his start in diving, the people who have influenced his career, and the path that led him to Indiana Hoosiers. He reflects on the transition to college diving, balancing academics with the demands of training, and what it's like competing alongside some of the best divers in the country.

Ever wondered how a diver earns the prestigious NISCA High School All-American honor? In this episode of The Diving Pod, Aaron Rooney breaks down the entire process from the perspective of someone who serves as a NISCA judge.