LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky diving program has had three Wildcat student-athletes represent their home countries so far this summer with strong performances by rising sophomore Avery Giese and Wildcat Alum Kyndal Knight, along with Zalika Methula and Gabriel Perdigao Vieria, dive program signees for next season.

At their respective national meets, Giese and Knight have been representing the United States and Methula representing South Africa, and Perdigao Vieria representing Brazil.

Right after final exams Giese competed at the US Diving Nationals, finishing 5th overall in the 1-meter final and 6th in the 3-meter final. Her performances qualified her for both events at the 2025 World University Games, which will be held in Berlin, Germany from July 17-23.

This is following a breakout freshman year for Giese, receiving the team’s Mike Lyden Dive MVP Award in just her first collegiate competition year and for her showing at SECs this past February as well. The rookie won the Consolation B Final in the 1-meter dive at the conference championship, earning the women’s team 20 points with the ninth-place finish.

“I was impressed with Avery’s composure at the US National Championships,” added Hautau. “It was her first time making a final in the individual events and she shined when she had the opportunity.  To make the World University Games in her first year of university is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Competing alongside Giese at US Diving Nationals, Alumna Kyndal Knight won the mixed synchronized 3-meter diving event with her partner Luke Hernandez (Duke Diving Club), along with finishing 4th in the 3-meter. Due to her strong finishes at Nationals, Knight has qualified for the World Aquatics Championships in the mixed 3-meter synchronized diving event, which will be held in Singapore. Knight was also chosen to represent the US in the 3-meter individual at the Canada Cup in Gatineau, Canada.

“Kyndal and Avery were exceptional at the US Nationals.  Luke and Kyndal’s performance was impressive especially given it was their first time competing together as a team,” said Head Diving Coach Ted Hautau. “They are honored to have an opportunity to represent the US at the World Championships.”

Methula, who signed with the Wildcats last November, will be coming to Lexington in the coming weeks to train alongside Giese and Knight at the Lancaster Aquatic Center. This is in preparation for the World Aquatic Championships as well, which she has qualified for and will represent South Africa in the women’s 3-meter and 3-meter synchronized events.

Perdigao Vieria will be competing for Brazil at the upcoming Junior Pan American Games and the South American Aquatics Championships held in Brazil later in September.

Giese, Knight, Methula, and Perdigao Vieria have all shown great strength and have created excitement for the Kentucky Diving program. This international platform has helped the Wildcat divers not just train together but to push one another and compete alongside some of the world’s best athletes this summer.

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