BBHHS diver looks to break more records, win more titles

by Dan Holland

For junior diver Rachel Kirin, things continue looking up as she broke her own school record this season at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and repeated it as the Suburban League diving champion.

Kirin, who is also a member of the BBHHS state-champion gymnastics team, decided to join the BBHHS swimming and diving team last year following an injury that limited her advancement in competitive gymnastics.

“I have been a gymnast my whole life, but in eighth and ninth grade, I had surgery on both of my shoulders due to a torn labrum and an injured rotator cuff,” Kirin explained. “The injuries made it very difficult for me to continue competing at the same level in gymnastics, but I knew a few other gymnasts who had transitioned into diving. I started diving the summer before my sophomore year, and when the season came around, I decided to join the BBHHS team. It has been an amazing experience ever since.”

In her first year, at the team’s first home meet, BBHHS Diving Coach Andy Pohlmeyer said Rachel asked him what she had to do to get her name on school record board. 

“I told her it would be up there soon enough, and a couple of weeks later, she broke the school record,” he said. “And then this year, she has broken that record twice this year by 40 points – that’s how good she is.”

The two-time conference champ is currently eyeing district and state competitions.

“For the rest of the season, I’m keeping the mindset of striving for my personal best rather than worrying about placements or how I compare to other divers,” said Kirin. “That being said, I would love to finish in the top spots at districts and be one of the top divers in the state this year.”

Pohlmeyer cited Kirin’s drive as a key to her success in the pool and classroom.

“She has an amazing drive, where she constantly pushes herself to get better; she is always pushing for perfection,” said Pohlmeyer. “She’s a great competitor – I think gymnastics has helped her in keeping her composure, and she has a drive that is something I haven’t seen in a long time.

“In all aspects of life, including schoolwork and gymnastics, she’ll come to diving practice for two hours; then go to gymnastics for two hours and then do homework all night,” he added. “Or sometimes, she’ll come to our practice and then go to the American Flyers Diving Club practices at Cleveland State for a couple hours. It’s amazing how much work she does.”

As of early February, Kirin was ranked No. 1 among Division I divers in Northeast Ohio, and No. 6 overall in the state of Ohio, according to swimmeet.com.

“She has a harder list of dives than the state champ did last year,” explained Pohlmeyer. “So, she’s in a good place to go far this year; she competed in states last year, and I expect her to return this year. I think she’s ranked in the top four this year for sure.”

The interpersonal relationships developed with coaches and teammates has been a big highlight so far for Kirin.

“What I love most about diving is the community and the relationships it has brought me,” said Kirin. “Everything about the sport is incredibly positive and uplifting. I’ve built amazing friendships with my teammates — they push me to be my best while also making sure I’m having fun. I love cheering for them at meets, and they always cheer for me, too.”

Pohlmeyer said Kirin is “a true asset” on the team.

“She’s always positive and builds up her teammates around her, and she’s always cheering them on,” he said. “I have a lot of new-level kids who have never done diving before, and she’s always trying to encourage them to try new dives. She’s a very positive role model on the team, and it’s a lot of fun to watch her grow in the sport.”

Kirin said she plans to continue diving at the next level. “Looking ahead, I would love to continue my diving career in college,” she said. “I am still working through the recruiting process and looking at a number of schools, but I am excited to see what the future holds and the opportunities that may lie ahead.”

Photo caption: BBHHS junior diver Rachel Kirin is ranked among the top six divers in Ohio. Photo submitted.