Whiz Kids: Upper Dublin Diving's Johnson Family

Each week, we'll profile local youngsters doing extraordinary things, whether it be in athletics, academics, the arts, community service, or any other area. Know someone who fits this description? We'd love to hear about them, so e-mail Kyle@Patch.com.

Drew Johnson just wrapped up his diving career for Upper Dublin by winning a Suburban One League American Conference Championship. Sister, and freshman, Corey, just started off her career with a splash, qualifying for states by placing sixth in districts. Here, we interviewed both to find out more about their accomplishments and goals, as well as their parents to get the background story.

Corey Johnson

Upper Dublin Patch: How does it feel to qualify for the state diving meet?

Corey: I am very excited to have an opportunity like this. I have so much fun with the high school team, and I can't wait for a meet like this.

Upper Dublin Patch: What are your thoughts heading into the competition? How are you preparing?

Corey: At the beginning of every competition, I am nervous, but I just remind myself to take one dive at a time, and I don't let myself get worked up if a dive doesn't go exactly how I hoped.

Upper Dublin Patch: What or who do you owe your success to?

Corey: I owe my success to all my coaches through the years, but also to my family that supports me at every meet.

Upper Dublin Patch: Any goals through your four years of high school?

Corey: Through my next four years of high school, I aim to do my best in every meet, but also succeed in school and hope to keep diving in college.

Drew Johnson

Upper Dublin Patch: How do you feel about finishing your career as an Upper Dublin diver?

Drew: It is a somewhat overwhelming feeling. I have had such an enjoyable time as part of this team, and I will miss it dearly.

Upper Dublin Patch: Which accomplishment are you most proud of?

Drew: Winning the Suburban [One Championship] meet this year was by far my greatest achievement.

Upper Dublin Patch: What are some of your top memories from being on the team?

Drew: I remember the after-school drives to CB South back when Upper Dublin did not have a pool for us to practice in, as well as the feeling when we were finally able to have a pool to call our home pool again.

Upper Dublin Patch: What are your plans for the future, whether it be diving, school, or any other path?

Drew: I plan to move on from Upper Dublin and attend RIT, where I plan to dive, while following a path in the digital and graphic arts, ideally getting a job in that field after graduation.

The Johnson Parents

Upper Dublin Patch: You have two pretty successful divers for children. Are you divers yourselves?

Parents: No. We either swam or ran track through college.

Upper Dublin Patch: When did the kids get involved with diving?

Parents: They both got started when they were about 6 with the summer and township swimming and diving programs. They both enjoyed diving more than swimming.

Upper Dublin Patch: Is there a competitive spirit between the two, or is it more educational from the older brother? 

Parents: Corey was always trying to do what Drew could do. When he had to stop diving due to some ear problems, he missed it, and Corey continued until he started again last year as a junior.

Upper Dublin Patch: How excited are you to see Drew walk in June, and watch Corey compete at states?

Parents: Drew is very excited about going to RIT and pursuing digital graphics studies. It has been an exciting year all-round for him getting into the top schools on his list, and then deciding to go to RIT and knowing he can pursue diving there as well since he's just getting back into the sport. It will be a lot of fun to watch Corey at States. As a freshman, there is little pressure, so we hope she has a strong meet.