Young diver smiles her way to San Juan

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By TOMMY DAHLK / Lincoln Journal Star

Something obviously separates Lilly Hinrichs from other divers.

Is it her drive? Her talent? Her coaching? Her conditioning?

All of these things in the 13-year old’s repertoire are pivotal and allowed her to reach the 2007 Junior Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this week.

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Lilly Hinrichs, 13, will represent the United States in the upcoming Junior Pan American Diving Championships in Puerto Rico. (Jill Peitzmeier)

But when asked what her greatest strength is, Hinrichs said it’s simply something she wears to the pool every day.

“I guess it’s because I always have a smile on my face,” Hinrichs said.

There is no reason for Hinrichs not to smile.

Hinrichs will travel to San Juan today and compete next week for Team USA. Only three divers per age group get selected. Hinrichs earned a spot after winning her division at the national qualifying meet in Mission Viejo, Calif.  At the meet, she scored 306.75.

Surprisingly, Hinrichs even can crack a smile when she wakes up every day for practice at 5:30 a.m.

Hinrichs’ coach, Kris Hoffman, said this drive and love for the sport makes his job really easy.

“She has a great work ethic,” Hoffman, who dived at the University of Kansas, said. “She has a very acute attention to detail, and she is very mature and smart. Her day-in and day-out, consistent work ethic is a testimony to where she is right now.”

Besides early morning practice, Hinrichs trains three more hours every night, and Hoffman gives her advice after every dive.

But the most grueling part of Hinrichs’ day comes after night practice. This, of course, is her homework, and her studies at Irving Middle School are her first priority.

Yes, there is a lot on the 13-year old’s plate. Studies and diving take up much of Hinrichs’ life and leaves her little time to socialize with her fellow classmates.

This really doesn’t bother Hinrichs because she said hanging out with fellow divers is just as good as seeing movies and bowling.

“I kind of miss out on the social life a little bit,” Hinrichs said. “But it’s OK because I get it all here. I’ve made a lot of friends from all over.”

Most importantly, Hinrichs is the one that chose the lifestyle of a diving prodigy.

Her mom, Kelly Jo Hinrichs, is no Marv Marinovich. Kelly and her husband encourage their daughter’s gift, but said she is the one waking them up and making sure she isn’t late to practice.

“She’s so happy with it,” Kelly Jo said. “It’s what she wants to do, and we just know it makes her happy.”

Harry Potter and lunch at school also make Hinrichs happy.

Still, nothing makes Hinrichs happier than diving off a 1-meter springboard and a platform.

For the first time in her life, Hinrichs will get do this in another country, and can’t wait for her 10-day trip.

Neither can Hoffman, who said the sky is the limit for his star pupil.

“She can be as good as she wants to be,” Hoffman said. “I think there’s potential for making the Olympics and being at that level. It really depends on how long she wants to be this into the sport.”

Reach Tommy Dahlk at 473-7431 or tdahlk@journalstar.com.