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University of Houston Athletics
Cougars Add Aussie Diver to 2011-12 Team
12/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Dec. 6, 2010
HOUSTON - The University of Houston swimming and diving team announced the recent signing of Australian diver Natasha Burgess to a National Letter of Intent.
A product of Adelaide, Australia, Burgess comes to Houston as a highly sought out prospect of head diving coach Jane Figueiredo.
"Australian diving is very tough and she's in the middle right now," Figueiredo said. "She's not quite their top girl yet, because they have a few of those. One of which is at Texas A&M (Jaele Patrick), who will probably vie for the national title this year. Natasha is an up-and-comer with so much potential and talent."
Burgess began her career as a gymnast before falling in love with the sport of diving six years ago and becoming one of her country's leading young divers. Since 2008, Burgess has twice qualified for Australia's Open Nationals, Elite Junior Nationals and New South Wales (NSW) Elite Junior Championships.
Earlier this year, Burgess took top honors at the NSW Elite Junior Championships in the 3-meter and collected a third-place finish in the 1-meter competition. At the Diving South Australia (DSA) Elite Junior Championships, Burgess earned first place in the 1-meter and 3-meter events.
Burgess will finish her high school career at Annesley College this season, while diving for Diving South Australia Club team coach Jeff Arbon before heading to Houston next fall.
"I won't get her for another nine months, but she already has a lot of ability and a lot of spinning," Figueiredo said. "She is so enthusiastic, so I expect her to improve even more before she even gets to me. Then it's our responsibility to take her the rest of the way."
The daughter of Kerry and Greg Burgess, Natasha plans to major in architecture.
