Jan. 24, 2012
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State diving team has officially added Wenting Zhang to their 2012 roster. Zhang transfers from the Guangzhou Sports University, and will join the Redbirds as a sophomore.
Zhang has been training in the Chinese diving system since age seven, and has competed for China in various national championships. Zhang has also had international diving experience, diving in various countries, including Aachen, Germany. Head diving coach Phil Hoffmann is thrilled to add Zhang to the roster.
"The Chinese training system for divers is regarded as one of, if not the best training programs in the world," Hoffmann said. "It is really an honor for myself, as well as Illinois State, to be able to work with a diver of her caliber and her training level. I am extremely grateful for the efforts of the ISU administration and compliance offices for all their help bringing in Wenting."
Zhang was also a member of one of the premier diving teams, training with several Olympians as well as the top coaches in China. She joins the Redbird team as only the fifth female Chinese diver to compete in the NCAA.
Zhang competed Friday and Saturday for the first time for Illinois State, and broke the school record on the 3-meter board, with a score of 298.60 to place second. Her score also qualified the new Redbird to the NCAA diving regionals in March.
"I look forward to great things from Wenting," Hoffman said. "I really believe she can put Illinois State on a national map in terms of her diving performance. I know she is not only going to make myself a better coach, but she will also improve our program immensely with her knowledge and training level. It is already showing in the way our whole team is training."
Zhang will continue her education and focus on improving her English. She plans to major in recreation management.
"She is very passionate about her academics," Hoffmann said. "I am looking forward to seeing how she grows. I know she has high goals and standards for herself, and I believe Illinois State is going to be able to help her achieve those."
Zhang will compete in her third meet for Illinois State for Senior Night against Northern Iowa. The meet in Horton Pool is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
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