Dec. 7, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -
Tarheeblue's Q&A series continues with senior diver David Solarz who is one of two senior divers for the Tar Heel men's diving squad this year. Solarz was an NCAA qualifier last season and holds the school record on both the one-meter board and the 10-meter platform.
Sarah Stankavage: Do you enjoy being a senior leader on a young diving squad? What ways do you feel you are strongest in leading the younger divers?
David Solarz: I do enjoy it because I can completely empathize with all the freshmen to some extent, and I realize all the challenges that come with being both a student and an athlete. Throughout my four years here I think I've had a wide breadth of experiences academically, socially and athletically. I would guess that one of my best abilities comes from being able to relate these experiences to the younger divers and inform them how best to deal with all the problems that they might encounter.
Sarah Stankavage: How do you manage being a chemistry major and being a Division-I athlete?
David Solarz: I try to keep an open channel of communication with Kevin; he has been great the past three years in allowing me to alter my practice schedule because of different mandatory labs. Also developing time management skills has allowed me to stay on track with my work. Even though it is rigorous, I always try to put things into perspective--I realize I only spend four years as an undergraduate and so I make sure to have fun as well.
Sarah Stankavage: You obviously love tennis as it is one of your hobbies and Roger Federer is the athlete you most admire, would you have tried to play tennis in college if you didn't dive?
David Solarz: No, I probably would have pole-vaulted if anything. I was never competitive enough at tennis to be able to play in college. I do love playing though and think it's a great hobby to pick up.
Sarah Stankavage: What is one question you would ask Roger Federer if you got the chance to meet him?
David Solarz: What allowed you to reach the level of success that you have?
Sarah Stankavage: What goes through your head as you are standing on the board/platform about to do your most difficult dive? Do you count down until you dive or just tell yourself "ready, go!"?
David Solarz: I try to just focus on a few different things that I need to do to execute the dive well. Then I just let my body take over and rely on my training.
