As the only member of the Nazareth Girls Dive Team, Junior Ellie Fleischmann has qualified for the IHSA State Championship for the second year in a row. Fleischman’s passion for diving began after years of doing gymnastics, which she believes aided in her diving ability and success. 

She said she loves the atmosphere of practices and going to meets with her club teammates. Throughout the season, she practices 5 to 6 times a week and she competes at meets on the weekends. Although she does not have any Nazareth teammates, she has found unity with her fellow club members. She said, “Most of the time my teammates from the club are there, and I always hang around them.” 

This year’s IHSA Girls Swimming and Diving State Finals take place at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont on November 14 and 15. There are almost 50 divers and 11 rounds of competition. Fleischman hopes to build on her previous experience and represent Nazareth proudly this weekend.