Former Lobo Diver Becca Barras Still Finds Success

Barras still trains at UNM, but now competes for the Canadian National Team

Former Lobo diver Becca Barras and head diving coach Abel Sanchez
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March 30, 2006

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Former University of New Mexico diver Becca Barras is currently competing in her first year on the Canadian National Team. Barras, originally from Kitchener, Ont., dove for the Lobos for four years and is currently a fifth year senior. Barras became the first female diving All-American, was named Mountain West Conference co-diver of the year, platform and 1-meter Champion and seven-time diver of the week winner for UNM. She also held the school and conference top scores on the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform. Barras trains at UNM even though she now competes for Canada.

This past week Barras competed in Melbourne, Australia at the XVIII Commonwealth Games. Barras brought home the silver on the women's synchronized three-meter along with Canadian teammate Melanie Rinaldi. The two had only trained and competed together four times before grabbing their silver medal.

"We were not expecting to do that well," Barras said. "The team who took first had been training everyday for the past six months. Taking silver will open up a lot more opportunities for us."

Barras competed in the World University Games prior to the Commonwealth Games. Only two competitors from each country get to compete in the World University Games and Barras was one for Canada.

"The Commonwealth Games was such an awesome experience," Barras said. "The World University Games was also a great experience, but the Commonwealth Games were more rewarding."

Barras is now training for the Grand Prix Meet, wich will be held in Italy at the end of May. She is also considering competing in the 2008 Winter Olympic Games.

UNM's head diving coach Abel Sanchez sees a very successful future for Barras and is glad she is still training here at UNM.

"Becca has been a role-model for all the younger divers and her peers at UNM," Sanchez said. "She is the hardest working athlete, giving 150 percent everyday. She has earned everything she has gotten and has much more to gain."