Fresno State Athletics
Q & A With Kendra Weeks
10/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 22, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Junior transfer and former gymnast Kendra Weeks has given meaning to the phrase, "when one door closes, another door opens." Forced to quit the sport she loved after a serious injury, Weeks, unable to imagine life without gymnastics, found a place for herself on her high school diving team, using the skills she developed in gymnastics toward a new sport: diving, and she continues the sport today at the college level as a Bulldog.
How did you get started diving? I did gymnastics for ten years and then I fractured my back. I knew I wanted to try a sport where I could flip and spin, so I joined the dive team at my high school. Gymnastics was out the door and I really thought my life was over, then I found diving.
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete? I'm making fast progress. Taryn is such a good coach and what I've been able to do the last couple of weeks has been my greatest accomplishment. I had no idea I'd be capable of what I've been doing.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future? I want to make it to the WAC and keep improving like I have been.
Who was your most influential role model? My husband. He is such a nice person and he inspires me to be the best person I can be. My parents have inspired me my entire life but his (her husband's) personality is what influences me.
How has your background in gymnastics helped you in diving? Mechanically there are different forms but it has helped me physically with being fit coming and knowing the basic flips, which is hard in itself to learn. Mentally, competition doesn't seem like a big thing anymore. I know myself.
What was the best advice you ever received from a coach? "Stop thinking," is something gymnastics and diving coaches have told me. Even Taryn has caught onto the fact that I over think things at times.
What's your most memorable moment in sports? In gymnastics when I was level seven state champion.
What is your favorite food? Sushi.
Why did you choose Fresno State? It was honestly the best thing that could have happen. Transferring was originally because I was getting married, and then I got a seat on the dive team. I'm also in a major that allows me to graduate a year early, which is a degree in natural science with an emphasis in biology so I can get a teaching credential. I'm so glad I'm here.
"Join the State - Fresno State" - The Fresno State swimming team returns to action Oct. 24-25 as it travels to Pullman, Wash., to compete in the Washington State Invitational. The diving team competes next at San Diego State on Nov. 1.
Players Mentioned
