COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sophomore Rachel Ware of the LSU diving team finished one spot short in the platform event of capturing her second honorable mention All-American honor at the 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Saturday afternoon in the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion.
Ware scored 217.20 points on the platform to finish 17th and close out her sophomore season. The top 16 finishers in each NCAA diving event receive All-American honors.
Ware received honorable mention All-American honors on Thursday with her performance in the 1-meter.
“Overall, I am very happy with Rachel’s NCAA performance,” LSU diving coach Doug Shaffer said. “I knew the platform event might be tough for her today because after her surgery she wasn’t able to prepare and practice as much for that event. She still did well and I am proud of her effort.”
Ware’s solid NCAA performance caps off an outstanding season for the sophomore sensation. The Richmond, Texas native’s status for this season was uncertain after she had shoulder surgery in the spring. However, Ware was confident she could compete at a high level. Ware not only competed but outperformed all the divers in her conference this season by being named the SEC Female Diver of the Year.
“Before the season, there was a possibility that we might redshirt Rachel,” Shaffer commented. “We weren’t sure what she would be capable of. She did remarkable this season, particularly at SECs. The best part is she is still developing and improving.”
Ware Comes Up Short of All-America Honor on Platform