Sports Spotlight: Kara Holt | Observer Preps

Olympia High senior Kara Holt has been on the school’s dive team since her freshman year, and has competed in the state competition each year. She place second in the state meet as a sophomore and placed in fourth as a junior. In late October, Holt committed to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on a scholarship. After a recent victory in districts, she moved on to compete in the regional competition in Class 4A Region 2 on Nov. 2 in Clearwater Beach. She earned first place in regionals and will be moving on to compete at the state level once again. 

How long have you been diving?

I’ve been diving for almost four years. I started as a freshmen.

How did you get into diving?

I was a gymnast for a really long time, and a lot of gymnast transition into diving because it’s a lot easier on your body. It’s not as stressful (as) pounding on the floor (as a gymnast). So, I got injured a lot and I decided I’d try out diving and after that I just fell in love with it.

Were there any challenges in your transition from gymnastics to diving?

It was a pretty smooth (transition) since I was accustomed to all of the flipping and stuff from gymnastics. Obviously, you have to learn how to go in head-first instead of landing on your feet, which was a little difficult.

What goes through your mind when you’re about to go into a competition?

Before a competition, we really try not to think about it that much because diving is really a mental sport. You have to keep in a certain mindset — like (with) positivity (and) confidence. So basically, I was just trying to keep my mind (focused) and just stay confident going into it.

What’s your favorite thing about diving?

I love the sport and I love the camaraderie that comes with being on a high school diving team and making great relationships with everyone.

You will be competing in Regionals in Clearwater very soon. How have you been preparing and what’s going through your mind?

We’ve done the same thing we’ve been doing all year — just training really hard and trying to perfect our dives. (I’m) keeping that positive, confident mindset.

What’s your favorite thing about coming into practice?

Probably … the team I dive with — it’s like one big family. You go in every single day and you’re like with your family.

What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to diving?

Everything has to go back to the mindset — staying positive and confident — and just believing in yourself.

Since it’s your senior year, do you plan to continue diving after you graduate?

I actually committed to (the University of) Tennessee the other day for diving.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

I like more scientific and mathematical (subjects), so probably chemistry.

What do you plan on studying in college?

My goal is to major in chemistry.

What do you want to do with your degree?

Something medical, maybe some type of surgeon.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of school and outside of diving? Do you have any hobbies?

Diving takes up a lot of my time after school, but besides that, I really like rock climbing, I like hiking, going to the beach (and) hanging out with friends.

Do you prefer swimming in the ocean or freshwater?

I love everything having to do with the beach, so the ocean.