Story Links
Fourth-Year Haley Parker and the Virginia swimming and diving teams are back in action this week, playing host to the UVa Invitational at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. The three-day meet begins with prelims at 11 a.m. Thursday and Friday, with finals at 6 p.m. The event concludes Saturday with prelims at 10 a.m. and finals at 5 p.m. Parker recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to chat about how she got started diving, what it’s like having her brother, Nathan, on the team and her experience in Semester at Sea.
Question: How did you get started diving?
Parker: It was by accident that I chose this sport to continue on through college. My parents were very good about developing me and I always needed a physical activity to get my excessive energy out. I was a gymnast growing up, and a friend told me since I was a gymnast and know how tumble I should try diving. I needed some sort of structure in my life so I decided to continue with it.
Question: What do you like about it so much?
Parker: It is really refreshing to always be in the pool. I really like the physical workouts and the conditioning that goes along with it. It is a sport that takes a balance of mental focus and explosion when you come off the board and that is what makes it a weird but awesome sport.
Question: Why did you choose to come to UVa?
Parker: I got in here early decision but I always knew I wanted to stay in state. I was looking at William & Mary because I played lacrosse throughout high school. But once I got in to UVa I contacted the coaches to see what necessary steps I would need to take to maybe continue diving here, and it worked out.
Question: What is like having your brother, Nathan, here?
Parker: I wish I was my brother. He is so opposite of me and I am so envious of him. He has all the good qualities. He is smart and wise and patient. He is excellent at diving and is fearless. But he is also quiet. He is a good balance for me because he can tell when something is wrong and he gives me that extra support when no one else can.
Question: As a senior, have you helped Sarah Andrekovich, a freshman, and the only other female diver on the team?
Parker: She knows all the ropes already. She has got it covered and almost keeps me in line. She brings so much spirit to the program.
Question: What do you like to do for fun when you are not in the pool or not studying?
Parker: I work at Arch’s so I love to eat ice cream. I try to be very social and like my dad said I try to “hold my social chips to a high standard.” I try to get together with my friends a lot. I also love to exercise and run because it is a mental release.
Question: What is your major?
Parker: I am an anthropology and religious studies double major and I am minoring in Spanish. I am also going to try and get a master’s degree from the commerce school.
Question: What are your career goals?
Parker: I am just going with it right now. I think I am going to focus on marketing and management. A lot of what I do is very PR related. But, I have always had a passion to be a UPS pilot and the benefits in that field are awesome for trying to raise a family.
Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa?
Parker: In my first year I took this very impressive architecture class called Architecture East and West. It was cool to see different themes run throughout history. I loved Oceanology and I also loved my religion class during my Semester at Sea.
Question: What was your Semester at Sea experience like?
Parker: I left from Halifax, Novia Scotia and was on the ship for about 16 days while we crossed the Atlantic. We only took classes on the days we were on the ship and then when we got to ports we were free to sample the food and see the town’s culture. We would then come back and write on our experiences. Our first stop was Norway then onto Russia, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and finally to Croatia before coming home. I feel like I grew up a lot studying for 10 weeks abroad.