Senior Grace Blume will be joining the diving team at the University of New Hampshire this fall. Although her prowess in the sport makes it seem as if she’s had years of experience, she's only been on the Dedham diving team since last year. 

A gymnast by the time she was three years-old, Blume has had her fair share of injuries. The extreme and taxing sport of gymnastics proved to be unforgiving, however, resulting in detrimental effects to her back. After dealing with extreme pain for three years, a devastating decision to retire from the sport was madc.

 “Everything happens for a reason,” she says. 

Blume then turned her attention to diving, a sport with close similarities to gymnastics that also puts less stress on her back. She joined the Marauder team the winter season of her junior year. ""It was a learning experience, and it was fun to try something new," Blume says. "Overall, it went better than I ever expected.” 

Blume's talents were quickly noticed, and she joined the South Shore Diving Club last February. Joining the club was initially intimidating for Blume because of the advanced skills of her teammates. But she adapted quickly. Her coaches were kind and encouraging. They taught her a number of new dives and helped improve her technique. They also assisted her in the college process. 

Blume applied and spoke with many interested schools, ultimately choosing a very lucky UNH.