Colorado State Divers Shine at First Chance Meet

Rams swimming and diving teams build momentum ahead of Mountain West Championships

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Colorado State Rams swimming and diving teams had a successful showing at the recent First Chance meet in Denver, with the diving squad in particular achieving personal bests and NCAA Zones cuts. Freshman Sydney Ovesen made a splash, securing a spot in the program's top 10 on the 3-meter board, while Riley Lee overcame performance pressure to achieve her NCAA Zones cut on the 1-meter. The relaxed atmosphere at the meet, which included music during competition, helped the divers perform at their best. The swimmers also posted personal-best times, with Emma Lindstrom delivering the team's top race finish. The Rams now shift their focus to the upcoming Mountain West Championships, scheduled for February 18-22 at the University of Houston.

Why it matters

The First Chance meet served as a crucial stepping stone for the Colorado State Rams swimming and diving teams as they prepare for the Mountain West Championships. The strong performances, personal bests, and NCAA Zones cuts achieved by the divers, in particular, demonstrate the team's growing momentum and potential heading into the championship season.

The details

At the First Chance meet, the Colorado State diving team saw significant progress under first-year diving coach. Freshman Sydney Ovesen made a mark, securing a spot in the program's top 10 on the 3-meter board with a score of 295.65. Riley Lee achieved her NCAA Zones cut on the 1-meter with a score of 273.25, overcoming recent performance pressure. Lee finished second on the 1-meter and third on the 3-meter, while Ovesen also secured a second-place finish on the 1-meter and a third-place finish on the 3-meter. Juliana Dodd narrowly missed her first Zones cut in the event, but showed continued improvement. Coach O'Dea attributed the team's success to the relaxed and supportive environment at the meet, which included music during competition and helped the divers perform at their best.

  • The First Chance meet was held on Friday and Saturday.
  • The Mountain West Championships are scheduled for February 18-22 at the University of Houston.

The players

Sydney Ovesen

A freshman diver for the Colorado State Rams who secured a spot in the program's top 10 on the 3-meter board with a score of 295.65.

Riley Lee

A Colorado State diver who achieved her NCAA Zones cut on the 1-meter with a score of 273.25, overcoming recent performance pressure.

Juliana Dodd

A Colorado State diver who narrowly missed her first Zones cut in the event but showed continued improvement.

Coach O'Dea

The first-year diving coach for the Colorado State Rams who saw significant progress from his squad at the First Chance meet.

Hadley Dodson

A Colorado State swimmer who achieved a personal-best time at the First Chance meet.

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What they’re saying

“The relaxed setting was instrumental in Lee achieving her NCAA Zones cut, as she had been struggling with pressure in recent competitions.”

— Coach O'Dea, Colorado State diving coach

What’s next

The Colorado State Rams now shift their full focus to the Mountain West Championships, scheduled for February 18-22 at the University of Houston. The First Chance meet served as a valuable preparation opportunity, providing athletes with confidence and momentum as they head into the championship season.

The takeaway

The strong performances by the Colorado State diving team, particularly the personal bests and NCAA Zones cuts achieved by athletes like Sydney Ovesen and Riley Lee, demonstrate the team's growing momentum and potential heading into the crucial Mountain West Championships. The relaxed atmosphere at the First Chance meet played a key role in helping the divers perform at their best.