Virginia Inks Two Divers for 2011-12

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia diving coach Rich MacDonald announced the addition of two divers who will join the Cavalier program in 2011-12. JB Kolod (Pittsburgh, Pa.) will become a member of the men’s team while Laura Gartrell (Fairfax, Va.) is set to join the women’s squad.

“Both JB and Laura will bring a lot of talent to the program,” MacDonald said. “JB will immediately have an impact. He has only been diving for a short time and I have been impressed with how quickly he was moved up the ladder of success. Laura has solid experience. I look for her to come in and help push the women’s team to the next level.”

Kolod, a high school All-American, finished fourth on the 3-meter board at the U.S. Diving Age Group Nationals in 2010. He also registered a fourth-place performance on the 1-meter board at the U.S. Diving East National Championships in 2011. Kolod, who hails from Fox Chapel Area High School, was the runner-up at the Pennsylvania State Championships this year and is the school and pool record holder.

Gartrell, also a high school All-American, is a two-time runner-up at the Virginia State Championships. She holds the James W. Robinson Secondary School record and is an AAU national qualifier.