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States in the pool at the London Olympic Games. Small, compact and powerful, Anna James epitomizes the phrase “still waters run deep.” But, when she spoke of winning the 10-meter synchronized diving competition at the USA Diving World Championship this past May, her face lit up with a 100-watt smile and she exclaimed. “ That was an emotional moment”! With the victory, James and her partner, 2008 Olympian Mary-Beth Dunnichay, earned a spot at the FINAWorld Aquatic Championships in Shanghai, China. James and Dunnichay fnished 11 th in the women’s 10-meter synchronized diving competition. The competition was James’ frst outside of the country, and she also became the frst diver from the COM Aquatic Center to qualify for the world championships. James is just 15 years old and has only been competing on the 10-meter platform for about a year and a half. She hopes this is just the start of her chance to succeed on the international stage.

James switched recently to home school. In that way, she explained “I can keep up with academics while we travel.” James was careful to point out her parent’s role in her success. They make so many sacrifces and pay the expenses. “My mom travels with me, and so does my Dad, whenever it is possible. They are my support.”

James’s long standing coach at COM is John

Proctor. He believes that Anna is the real deal. Proctor described her mental toughness, and work ethic, but pointed out that James also has a loving home life. “She’s got great parents,” he said. James talks about John Proctor like he is part of her family. “He has worked with me since I started…at 10.” She explained that Proctor is her coach, family travel partner and