Senior diver Hailey Hernandez has mastered the physicality of diving, with 14 years of experience and three collegiate seasons under her belt. However, the mental game is one she continues to work on.
“I’ve struggled a lot with mental blocks and the fear around dives,” Hernandez said. “(I experienced them) for the first time in high school, leading up to the Olympics.”
Hernandez qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Games at 18 years old, representing Team USA as the youngest competitor in the 3-meter springboard. Despite invisible mental hurdles, Hernandez finished in the top 10, setting the stage for a dynamic freshman season.
Reflecting on the quick transition to college after the games, Hernandez said it was such an impactful shift because she didn’t have much time to prepare for her collegiate debut.
If she could go back in time, she would advise her younger self to “slow down and enjoy the moment.”
“Over the (last few) years, I’ve taken mental health a lot more seriously,” Hernandez said. “I started seeing a sports psychologist … and really slowed things down to find new strategies, (like) switching out my training techniques … and communicating with my coaches about how I feel.”
Hernandez said Olympian and Texas diving head coach Matt Scoggin initially drew her into the Texas program and has continued to be a crucial part of her support system.
“He’s really analytical and into diving but also makes sure to prepare you for life,” Hernandez said. “(He emphasizes) taking it day by day, and making sure that we’re exploring other passions and challenging ourselves, not only in the pool but outside.”
Now an established team veteran, Hernandez shared she’s found fulfillment in supporting this year’s freshman class during her own final season.
“Having the opportunity to share a little bit of my story and getting to watch them every day on the road accomplishing their goals makes me happy,” she said.
Her collegiate resume features awards such as three-time Big 12 Champion, five-time Big 12 individual Champion, five-time All-American and three-time Big 12 Diver of the Year.
With the second half of the season soon to be underway, Hernandez aims to contribute to Texas’ success in the Southeastern Conference and continue taking her personal growth as a diver day by day.
