Verzyl Named SEC Diver of the Week

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina freshman Sophie Verzyl has been named SEC Diver of the Week after winning both the one meter and three meter dive events at the Tennessee Invitational.
 
Verzyl, a native of Columbia, S.C., scored an NCAA Zone qualifying score of 294.10 in the preliminary round of the one meter dive to move on to the finals. In the finals, she achieved a season best score of 304.55 to take first place. The freshman came out at the top of 23 divers competing from six schools with a statement win and a score that outplaced her nearest competitor by over 20 points.
 
In the three meter dive, Verzyl scored a Zone qualifying 299.10 to place third in the prelims and secure her spot in the finals. In the final round, she scored another season best score of 345.70 to take first place, again by over 20 points.
 
“Sophie’s been working hard to move up to the next level and her performance at the Tennessee Invitational just shows that she’s heading in the right direction as she gets ready for the US National Championships and the SEC Championships,” said head diving coach Dale Schultz.
 
Verzyl has been in three competitions as a Gamecock and has won every event that she has participated in. Overall, she has competed in eight events and has achieved Zone qualifying scores in each of them. Her two wins at the Tennessee Invitational individually earned the team 40 points in just two events and helped the team to a final score of 405.5.
 
Verzyl and the Gamecock divers will compete next at the USA Diving Nationals in Bloomington, IN December 13-18.
 
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