text size

Westwood Diver Overcomes Fall

Updated: Wednesday, February 20 2013, 10:53 PM CST
From the time he was eight years old, Brad Homza has loved to dive.

"It’s just kind of the thrill of it, doing things out of your comfort zone,” said Homza.  “When you accomplish them you feel good."

Rarely since he dove into diving has Homza become bored of the board.  Now in his senior at Westwood High School, Homza is preparing to defend his state championship in the one meter springboard.

Eight months ago though, he experienced the lowest of the lows.  Competing in the Olympic Trials in Seattle, Homza was set to perform a synchronized dive called the three and a half pike.

"I've had a good amount of smacks on that dive…that was not one of my favorites,” he says.

That June day the three and a half pike quickly became Homza’s least favorite dive.  His foot clipped the board on rotation, resulting in disaster.

"I kind of just face planted, so it wasn't very delightful.  I didn't think it was that serious until I couldn't remember, really just bits and pieces of it.  They told me I said I was back in Austin when I was in Seattle, and that scared me a bit."

Doctors diagnosed Homza with a concussion, ending his Olympic Trials’ experience far too soon.  Like any good diver though, Homza never hesitated getting back on the board on his return to Austin.  He hasn’t lost a high school meet this year.

"He's super talented, humble and relaxed,” says Westwood head coach Chip Weiss.  “Other divers are stressed out, and there’s Brad, strolling around talking to other divers.  He’s really laid back and a good hearted kid."

Homza will head to Georgia Tech next year for college.  He plans on majoring in engineering, and hopefully leading the Yellow Jackets to an NCAA championship.  With the setback in Seattle now a distant memory, Homza can focus on his future, and possibly, another chance at an Olympics.Westwood Diver Overcomes Fall