Senior captain Carmen Woodruff takes a moment to answer a few questions for What’s the Buzz. Woodruff was named captain this year after coming off her second straight season of qualifying for zones. Woodruff has career highs on the 1-meter board, 3-meter board and platform of 294.15, 314.63 and 412.25, respectively.
Carmen Woodruff: You had your first meet on Oct. 23. How do you think it went for the divers?
What’s The Buzz: It was a really great meet! I am really proud of all the divers. Before the meet, I set a goal for the team to dive with confidence, and I think it was clear in watching my teammates dive that everyone surpassed this goal. We are starting in a way higher place as a team than we did last year so I am so excited to see how the rest of the season goes!
CW: You were named a captain. What does that honor mean to you?
WTB: It means a lot to me. I was very excited because I have always thought a lot about what I could do to better the team and give back to the teammates who have had such a good impact on me, so being captain was a direct way to do that. I was very inspired by Cami Hidalgo and Nicole Williams who were the women’s team captains last year and I am glad I have the opportunity to help them and all my teammates in the way they have helped me.
CW: Much of the talk around the swimming and diving team is that you are all a family. What do you think best shows that family vibe?
WTB: I can’t think of one specific instance because it’s clear to me every day, but I think the biggest thing that shows the family vibe is recruiting. When I came on my official visit, it was evident that this team was different than others. Everyone truly cares about each other and to be able to notice that as an outsider looking in, and even feel a part of the team before I even got here, speaks volumes to the culture of family that we have. At other programs, swim and dive is separated by gender or sport, but here it is truly ONE team.
CW: What is your fondest memory as a diver?
WTB: I have two! One was in club diving when we went to Senior Nationals in Dallas. It was actually one of my worst meets ever but I had so much fun with my team that it really sticks out to me. The second was from my freshman year here at GT! At the GT invite, it was my first really big college meet and it was my first time getting the zones cut for 3m so hugging my teammates after is something I’ll never forget!
CW: Who is your favorite athletes?
WTB: My favorite athlete is Aly Raisman. She was an Olympic gymnast in both 2012 and 2016!
CW: Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a meet or dive?
WTB: Not particularly. I know a lot of people do but I have never really had any superstitions. I think the closest thing I have to a ritual is I do the same stretching routine every practice and meet.
CW: What is it about diving that you enjoy so much?
WTB: I think it’s a really unique sport, so I enjoy that aspect of being able to do something not many people can do. It is also really mentally challenging, so I like being able to push myself past my fear and complete or learn dives.
CW: What are five things you can’t live without?
WTB: One and two are obviously family and friends. Other than that, probably my phone, chocolate chip pancakes and books.
CW: What is the best advice you have ever received?
WTB: My granddad always says to remember how happy you feel on your birthday, so just pretend every day is your birthday! Life can get tough but approaching it with a smile is the best way to get through the ups and downs.
CW: What hobbies do you have?
WTB: I love to craft! Over quarantine I learned how to embroider. I also like to read and bake with my roommate Abby.
