Liberty Divers Compete at NCAA Zone Championships

Sophomore Shannon Icard leads Liberty's charge at the one-meter event

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Liberty University's divers are currently competing at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships in Annapolis, Maryland. Sophomore Shannon Icard recently finished 40th on the one-meter springboard, continuing a streak of postseason appearances for the Lady Flames' diving program. Icard, along with junior Kayla Walsh and freshman Mercy Goodnight, will aim to qualify for the 2026 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championships in Atlanta.

Why it matters

The NCAA Zone Championships serve as a crucial stepping stone for divers hoping to reach the national stage. The top 18 divers from each preliminary round advance to the evening finals, with combined scores determining qualification for the NCAA Championships. This event represents a significant challenge for athletes, requiring consistent performance under pressure.

The details

Shannon Icard scored 227.55 in the one-meter competition, placing 40th among 86 participants. A score of 255.65 was required to reach the finals in the one-meter event, topped by Princeton's Charlotte Martinkus at 291.85. Competition continues tomorrow with the three-meter springboard event, where Kayla Walsh, Mercy Goodnight, and Shannon Icard will compete.

  • The NCAA Zone A Diving Championships are currently underway in Annapolis, Maryland.
  • The one-meter springboard event took place on March 9, 2026.
  • The three-meter springboard event will be held on March 10, 2026.
  • The platform diving event is scheduled for March 11, 2026.

The players

Shannon Icard

A sophomore diver for the Liberty University Lady Flames, Icard recently finished 40th in the one-meter springboard event at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships.

Kayla Walsh

A junior diver for the Liberty University Lady Flames, Walsh will compete in the three-meter springboard event at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships.

Mercy Goodnight

A freshman diver for the Liberty University Lady Flames, Goodnight will also compete in the three-meter springboard event at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships.

Charlotte Martinkus

A diver for Princeton University, Martinkus topped the one-meter springboard event at the NCAA Zone A Diving Championships with a score of 291.85.

Liberty University

The home institution of the Lady Flames diving program, which has participated in the NCAA postseason for the past eight consecutive years.

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What’s next

Competition continues tomorrow with the three-meter springboard event, where Kayla Walsh, Mercy Goodnight, and Shannon Icard will compete. Icard will also compete in the platform diving event on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Liberty's divers have consistently participated in the NCAA postseason, showcasing the growing competitiveness of the Lady Flames' diving program. Their performance at the Zone Championships highlights the program's dedication to developing talented athletes and its aspirations to send its first diver to the NCAA Division I Women's Swimming & Diving Championships.