Freshman diver Gabby Ortiz is heading to nationals in Florida after a sixth-place finish in the 3-meter event at the April 24 UNLV competition. In her first season, Ortiz has steadily put up scores strong enough to qualify for the national stage, marking an early milestone in her diving career.

Gabby Ortiz 29’ explained, “I’m the only one from my team going to Florida right now.”

At the UNLV meet, Ortiz placed fifty out of about seven competitors in a did-dive format, which she said marked the end of that part of the season.

“It was our last six-dive competition,” Ortiz said. “This week we have 11 dives, so it’s a lot more.”

Ortiz said qualifying for major meets such as nationals comes to consistently scoring high from judges.

“Our scores are based on 10, and it all adds up,” she said. “You have to reach a certain number to qualify”

She recently scored 180 in the 3-meter event, which helped her secure her spot at nationals.

Despite the huge accomplishment, Ortiz said that the 3-meter event is a huge challenge.

”I’m scared because three-meters is hectic,” Ortiz said. “I don't really like it, but I’m somehow pretty good at it.”

She expressed that mental preparation is a huge part of diving success.

“You need to be mentally ready in order to actually do a dive,” she said.

Heading into her first national competition, Ortiz said her goals are simple.

“I just want to compete in all my dives,” she said.