Rice diving makes a comeback with new talent, high hopes

By Ana Rivera     10/1/24 11:08pm

After a 30-year hiatus, Rice’s diving program is back. The program is spearheaded by three-time Olympian Gabi Chereches, who represented Romania, and two divers. 

For Chereches, the decision to coach Rice’s diving program was driven by the potential he saw in the school’s athletic environment. 

“Rice is an exceptional institution, and I could see the opportunity to build something meaningful here,” Chereches said. “It’s about more than just competing — it’s about setting a foundation for the future.”

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The two divers are Megan Phillip, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in global affairs, and Rylee Coyne, a Martel College junior studying environmental science. Phillip, who transferred from the University of Minnesota after four years of diving, was drawn to Rice by its academic reputation and the chance to work with Chereches, whom she had known from her early diving years.

“When I got the call from Coach Gabi, it felt like the right move,” Phillip said. “There were other programs I could have joined, but I knew he was the best coach to help me grow.”

Rice previously had a diving team in 1975 but discontinued the sport in 1991 due to NCAA changes in pool and diving facilities, according to a Jan. 30 press release from Rice Athletics. Although the Rice competition pool offers 1- and 3-meter springboards, the team travels to the University of Houston twice a week for additional training, as Rice does not have the required platforms and towers for advanced diving.

Phillip said that the transition wasn’t without its challenges, particularly as she recovered from a foot injury earlier this year. Despite uncertainty about her health, she was determined to make the most of the opportunity at Rice.

“It was tough for a while after the injury,” Phillip said. “But Rice gave me the chance to continue my diving career, and that’s something I’m grateful for.”

Coyne’s path to Rice was similarly motivated by the prospect of growth. After spending two years at George Washington University, Coyne transferred to Rice. 

“What stood out to me was how supportive and inclusive Rice felt,” Coyne said. “It’s not just about being an athlete here. You’re part of a larger community, and that really made a difference.”

According to Coyne, the swim team has been welcoming, which Chereches believes is crucial to the program’s success. 

“Swimming and diving are distinct sports, but we function as one team,” Chereches said. “The way the swimmers have embraced the divers has been great to see. That team mentality is important.”

The divers practice alongside the swim team and contribute to overall team points at competitions. Despite the small size of the diving squad, they say they’re confident in their ability to compete effectively, with upcoming meets including a key competition at the University of Houston.

“The support we’ve received from both the swim team and the coaches has been great,” Coyne said. “It made the transition easier, and it helps to know we’re all working toward the same goals.”

As the preseason progresses, Phillip and Coyne are focused on competing at the highest level they can while establishing a strong foundation for Rice’s diving program. 

“We know there’s still a lot of work ahead, but it’s exciting to be part of something new,” Phillip said. “We’re laying the groundwork for the future, and that’s a rewarding feeling.”

The dive team will make its first official leap into competition at the University of Houston on Oct. 11-12 for the Houston Diving Invitational. For Phillip, Coyne and Chereches, this meet marks the beginning of what they hope will be a lasting legacy for the future of Rice diving.

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