March 11, 2008

REGINA, Saskatchewan - Michigan State junior diver Danielle Williams staked her claim as one of Canada's best women's divers by finishing in the top 10 at the Canada Senior Nationals March 6-9. Williams finished fourth in one-meter diving and ninth in three-meter diving, giving her a strong chance of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Diving Trials.

Williams, a Dorchester, Ontario native, scored 247.50 in one-meter diving over the course of her five dives. In international diving competitions, divers complete five dives. In NCAA events, there are six dives. Williams totaled 765.90 to finish ninth in three-meter competition, which consisted of 15 dives over the multi-day meet.

"Any time you have a chance to qualify for an Olympic Trial, it's special," Michigan State head diving coach Eric Best said. "She had her best finish ever at the nationals and did a great job."

Williams had previously finished 10th on the three-meter board at the event in 2006 and 11th in 2007, right after she had shoulder surgery. She surpassed her 2007 score by more than 25 points.

"She has been working really hard despite still having pain from the shoulder injury," Best said. "But we have more work to do. We can still find some more points for her, and that may help her get on the Canadian National Team."

Williams, a redshirt junior, placed sixth in three-meter diving at the Big Ten Women's Championships, and added a 13th place finish in one-meter diving.