Swimming & Diving

Diver’s goals go beyond conference

Lacey Truelove isn’t satisfied with being a two-time first team All-American or being named Conference USA Platform Diving champion twice.

The London, Ontario, native has attained a number of achievements since coming to the University four years ago, but has an insatiable appetite for bigger rewards.

“I’m looking forward to the NCAA Championships this March where I am really going for the win on the 10-meter platform,” Truelove said. “This is the first time that I truly believe it is within my grasp, and I am hungry for it.”

After competing in the NCAAs, Truelove will continue working toward her ultimate goal.

“Ever since I was three years old, I knew I wanted to go to the Olympics,” Truelove said. “A year and a bit from now I am hoping to step foot in London.”

Truelove has posted personal bests in all of her events. She dives off the one and three-meter springboards, as well as the 10-meter platform.

Inspiration and a blueprint for reaching the Olympics are not hard to find.

Truelove turns to her roommate, Anastasia Pozdniakova, silver medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for motivation. Pozdniakova also won the one and three-meter NCAA championship while at UH in 2009.

“I have had the privilege of diving with her for the past four years that I have been here in Houston,” Truelove said.

“She is so motivating and inspirational. She’s a humble individual who would go to the moon to help me out with my diving. She makes it look so easy. I aspire to be as beautiful as she is in the water.”

Truelove balances her sport and academics with the support of the UH diving coaches, led by eight-time Conference USA Diving Coach of the Year Jane Figueiredo. Truelove said Figueiredo always keeps her and her teammates in check and makes sure they have a smile on their faces.

“Not only is she the best of the best in terms of coaching diving, she is the most outstanding individual I have ever met,” Truelove said. “There is never a dull moment with Jane; she is a strong believer in positivity and it shows in her daily life.”

Truelove and the Cougars are preparing to host the Conference USA Championships at the CRWC Natatorium from Wednesday through Saturday.

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