LARAMIE, Wyo. (3/14/22) – For the second consecutive year, the University of Wyoming boasts a diver at the NCAA swimming & diving championships. Junior Melissa Mirafuentes is set to participate in platform and 3-meter inside the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning Wednesday.

"I'm excited that Melissa gets her second opportunity to dive at NCAA championships," diving head coach Ted Everett said. "The first go around was a learning experience. Everyone at this meet is an exceptional diver, and it takes a time or two to get used to that. I tell Melissa, 'Just go out and do what you do.'"

As alluded to, this marks Mirafuentes' second appearance at the NCAA championships. The two-time All-American made it last year and qualified for the event in 2020, but it was canceled due to COVID-19.

Mirafuentes gained inclusion into the championships this season by way of a strong performance at the Zone E championships in Flagstaff, Arizona, last week. She finished third in platform and that awarded her entrance in that event in addition to 3-meter where she placed eighth.

Mirafuentes has been performing strong throughout her postseason run. She won platform at the Mountain West Conference championships, and Everett believes an outing similar to that will bode well for Mirafuentes in Atlanta.

"The performance she gave at our conference meet was an All-American type of performance," Everett said. "I think she might be able to do each of her dives better, but all together that's the type of competition we want. If she stays within herself, I think we will both be really pleased with the result.

"She's just that talented."

The action begins Wednesday and wraps up Saturday.