NFA Diver, Danielle Scarano, Places 1st in Diving State Championship

In November, Danielle Scarano won 1^st place at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association state championship meet. Coming into the meet, Danielle was seeded first in the competition of 50 divers, which meant that she was the last to dive.

Prior to becoming a state champion, Danielle won a meet at Shenendehowa and took home 2^nd place at Sections. Danielle started her athletic career as a gymnast as a young child until 7^th grade. Danielle began diving the summer before her sophomore year. Danielle is currently a junior at Newburgh Free Academy, Main Campus.

 “I think I did so well because I wasn’t concerned about winning. I wanted to win, but I didn’t think I could. I didn’t really think I had a chance, the stage was so big, so I figured what are the odds? I just told myself to try my best and see what happens. That took a lot of the pressure off and helped me to perform better.” Danielle Scarano “My coach told me that I have the dives, I have what it takes, and that I just have to believe in self.” Danielle Scarano (Coach Jill Matarano, Newburgh diving coach)

Danielle’s best category of dive are inwards, which she says is where she scored all the points.
Category - inwards scored all the point 

In 2016, Danielle placed 8^th at states and didn’t win sections. After the first round in the 2017 state championship meet, she was in 15^th place.

“Doing well at diving made me want to do better at school. I think diving can take me places I didn’t think I could go, so I also want to get my grades better, so I give myself the best opportunities to choose from.” Danielle Scarano

Action photos generously provided by Mr. Darren Bryant.

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