Glacier Peak’s Mari Hsieh practicing at Snohomish Aquatic Center Friday afternoon on October 20, 2017. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Glacier Peak’s Mari Hsieh practicing at Snohomish Aquatic Center Friday afternoon on October 20, 2017. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Five things to know about Glacier Peak’s Mari Hsieh

In less than two years, the senior has become a top prep diver.

Mari Hsieh is a quick study.

Last year, the then-junior decided to turn out for the Glacier Peak girls swimming and diving team two weeks after the season had started. Even though she didn’t have any prior diving experience, she soon became one of Wesco’s best divers. She finished 11th at the 2016 4A state meet and is aiming for a top-five finish this fall.

“She’s what I would call a deceptively strong athlete,” said Grizzlies diving coach Marc Hughes. “She doesn’t look like a traditional diver — she’s tall and slender, and has a wiry kind of strength. She’s got a good ability to find the bottom of the dive, and nice form; she leaves a great lasting impression on the judges. I think she has untapped potential in her. I think she could dive collegiately and (succeed).”

Here are five things to know about Hsieh:

Friends and family led her to diving. “My best friend on the (swimming) team, Ryzele Lagdaan, I did gymnastics with her when I was younger,” Hsieh said. “My mom wanted me to start diving after I quit gymnastics and cheerleading, and I didn’t have a sport. She thought it might be a good fit. She persuaded me to try out, and Ryzele played a big part in me going further with it.”

Her biggest challenge as new diver? Going in head-first. “It was scary at first because I wasn’t used to it. It felt a little weird,” she said. “As a gymnast you’re used to landing on your feet. But I was able to pick it up quickly because of my background in other sports. I actually like doing it now that I’m more comfortable with it.”

Her cheerleading background has helped her on the diving board. Hsieh started competitive cheerleading when she was 10. Two days per week, she drives to Bellevue after diving practice to train with the Connect Cheer Northwest squad. “I like the competitive and performing aspects (of cheerleading),” she said. “I get to work with a bunch of other people toward the same goal. And it involves acrobatics, tumbling and dance, things I enjoy. Having that background — and that air awareness — has definitely helped me (diving).”

She’d like to study business in college. She’s a member of Glacier Peak’s chapter of DECA, an international association of business students and educators. “We do competitions at the state and national level,” Hsieh said. “You get put into a bunch of situations — marketing, advertising, buying, selling — and you have to prepare and compete against other students in different events. In the class, there’s a lot of social (scenarios), and communication is necessary. I’m a people person, so it’s just a good fit for me.”

She finds ways to stay busy. “During the summer I wakeboard,” she said. “Any free time I have, I try to hang out with friends. I’m involved in school — I got to football games and things like that. I’m a pretty social person. On the (swimming) team I’ve gotten to know a whole new group of people, and I’ve made some super-close friends.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.