Committed: Izzy Fay

The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled.

Elizabeth "Izzy" Fay has made a big splash in Niwot High School athletics. The standout diver, who signed with California State University, Bakersfield, has made waves in Colorado prep diving, becoming the first athlete in the St. Vrain Valley School District to win a state diving championship.

Last season, Fay captured the 2024 4A State Dive Championship, earning her the2024 Times-Call Swimmer of the Year honor. She defended her title on Saturday, Feb. 8, becoming the first repeat 4A champion since 2021.

Fay's journey into diving began after years in gymnastics. "I was a gymnast since I was three years old, and after several injuries, I was drawn to diving since I could apply skills I already had in a sport that was less stressful to my body," she said. She has only been diving consistently since her freshman year.

Although the transition felt natural, her first dive is a moment she will never forget. "I was terrified," she remembered. "My dive coach at the time was holding my hips, 'gluing' my arms to my ears, and 'pushing me' into the water so I didn't belly flop."

Training at an elite level requires significant commitment. As she progressed, Fay found inspiration from various sources, including fellow gymnasts-turned-divers, coaches, and her parents.

During the season, Fay trains daily, balancing school with gym workouts and making the long drive to Colorado State University for two-hour practices. There she trains with the Fort Collins Dive Club, coached by Chris Bergere, who is also the head coach of Colorado State's women's diving team.

Mentally, she prepares for competition by listening to music, visualizing routines, or simply going for a walk. Like any athlete, Fay has faced challenges. "I've faced mental blocks on skills and overcame them by lots of drills, talking to my coaches, and trusting myself," she said.

Winning her first state championship was a milestone moment. "It felt great," she said. "I was very proud of myself. It was a payoff for a lot of hard work and dedication." The support from her teammates and coaches at Niwot High School has made the journey even more rewarding. "They create an environment filled with laughter, compassion, and drive for the sport," she said.

Fay's decision to continue diving at CSU Bakersfield came after winning state last year. "I decided that I might have the potential to continue my diving career past high school," she said. She was drawn to the Roadrunners after a recruiting trip where she connected with the team's philosophy and camaraderie.

Fay encourages younger athletes to stay dedicated to their sport while enjoying the journey. Her most memorable moment so far has been winning state, which opened her eyes to her potential and motivated her to push herself further.

Beyond diving, Fay has her sights set on a career in the medical field. She plans to major in psychology and hopes to become a nurse. With her work ethic and dedication, there is no doubt she will continue to make an impact both in and out of the pool.

Fay reflected, "Although I'll miss the high school season, the team, and the coaches, I can't wait for the challenge Division 1 diving will bring."