South African diver hopes for NCAA title

South African diver hopes for NCAA title

“That’s definitely my goal for this year,” Bouter said. “It has been my goal every single year, and I definitely should’ve made it every single year. I have the ability to make it — it’s just my mental side lets me down every year. I have the scores to make it.”

The nerves come from competing in big meets like the NCAA Zone Meet, Bouter said, where she represented the Cougars in March in the 3-meter and 1-meter dives. She placed ninth and 11th, respectively, but divers have to place in the top seven to qualify for the championships.