Long journey to podium for junior diver
Grant Williams wins individual diving championship for Division III.
Grant Williams ’17 took first in diving at the Boys Swim & Dive Division III State Championships.
For three years, Grant Williams ‘17 dealt with an ever-changing bunch of coaches, team- mates and expectations. From his uneventful beginning as a freshman to his journey to a champion caliber junior, he’s proven that the sky’s the limit, and he achieved that this season.
“My inward double scored 59 points.” This was Williams highest scoring dive in the state finals en route to his individual MHSAA State Championship, taking down his 35 competitors. Williams was one of the two divers on EGR’s diving team, which he attributed to his success this season. “It was a lot more focused on my diving rather than the team’s diving.”
This was EGR’s first diving title since the swim and dive team took home a championship in 2013 under coach Milton “Butch” Briggs, where they won three in six years.
Williams is looking forward to the upcoming season, and his future diving career following high school. He is currently being looked at by several colleges for his diving, including Hope College and Grand Valley State University.
This unorthodox season was one Williams had never experienced before, but he would not change a thing about it. With the minuscule team number, Williams was able to thrive under the direct instruction of his coach, Ann William- son. Williams attributed the refinement of the mental aspect of diving to his coach, and the individual attention he received.
For him this season was not just about all work. Williams enjoyed spending time with the rest of his team and taking part of the team’s unusual activities. When asked about his favorite times this season, “Before states the practices, and shaving people’s heads,” Williams said.
Williams is already looking forward to the upcoming season, and what has to offer to him and the rest of the team. “Next season is more going to be about doing better in dual meets, and hope- fully break some records.” Williams has already proved that he is a capable diver, who can set as many new records as he works hard enough for.
