Profile of Varsity Diver: Caroline Ashcraft

By Katrina Vassell

While most Darien High School students are sound asleep at 5:30 am, Caroline Ashcraft endures dry land practice or “boot camp.” Preparing for the upcoming championship season involves running miles, lunges, and tiring conditioning, even before sun rise. After the New Canaan dual meet next Friday (10-28), only a handful of the girls will continue diving for the remainder of the season. Even though Caroline has suffered from another injury, she hopes to qualify for finals. “I’d like to get in top 5’s but because of the meniscus injury, it will be hard,” said Caroline. Although diving to her full potential will be a challenge, Caroline has overcome torn ligaments and broken bones in the past. Her most severe injury occurred freshman year when she broke both her hands. Since then, “bathing suit hospital visits” have become a routine. In an attempt to prevent further injuries, Coach Shannon Eagan even promised to buy Caroline a cat in return for a year without broken bones. The deal was working for her entire sophomore year—she swam without injuries and won class L of states. Unfortunately, since then, Caroline has torn her meniscus. “I don’t cry but whatever I did to my knee was so bad I was almost in tears,” said Caroline. Despite her injury, Caroline plans on having a successful season.