Sophomore Christina Loukas' accomplishments as a world-class diver seem to have come as a result of an extraordinary natural talent. However, she worked hard and applied her extensive attention to detail toward achieving enormous goals.

When Loukas was two years old, she started gymnastics training, which she continued for 10 years.

"I used to dive in the summers for fun at my country club," Loukas said. "Being a gymnast, diving came easily to me and I thought it was fun. So, I made the transition when I was 12."

Loukas' found much success during the preparation for her collegiate career. She dominated the Illinois High School State Diving Championships for three consecutive years (2001-03), and consistently placed among the top divers at various national championship meets. Loukas began diving for the Hoosiers in 2004.

"When I first came to IU, I had to change my diving a lot and break bad habits," Loukas said. "Something that really helped me do that was watching tapes of Chinese divers. By watching them, I could see the changes I needed to make and it was easier for me to visualize what I needed to do."

Studying other divers continues to be an important part of Loukas' training and development.

"Even now, I still constantly watch tapes of the top divers in the country," Loukas said. "There is always something to fix in diving whether it be your approach, water entry or head position during the dive."

Loukas reached her level of success by more than just working hard. Her advice for young divers is to stay positive.

"It is hard when you make changes in your diving, because sometimes you don't get immediate results and it can be discouraging," Loukas said. "After some hard work and determination, however, you will start seeing the results you want."

Indiana head diving coach Dr. Jeff Huber recognizes Loukas' exceptional talent and dedication to her personal progression in diving.

"Christina has a wonderful ability to ride out the hard times, not get overly concerned with problems, but to continue giving a good effort everyday and overcoming her problems," Huber said. "Last semester is a good example. She really was struggling with one of her classes, which upset her quite a bit. However, she continued to come to practice every day, even if she was tired from studying late at night, and give a good effort. At the end of the semester, she finished with a high GPA and her diving vastly improved."

For Loukas to be successful as a student as well as a diver, she must manage her time well and plan ahead. Loukas usually practices with a specific regimen for two hours twice a day for five days out of the week and once on Saturday morning.

"To make it easier on myself, I try to get ahead in all of my classes on the weekends to prevent having an overload of work during the week," Loukas said. "When I'm not doing school work or anything related to diving, I usually just relax and hang out with friends. I love watching movies and being lazy when I can."

Loukas' achievements (Big Ten Diver of the Year, Big Ten Diver of the Championships, three-time All American) in her freshman year alone are more than many hope to attain throughout their collegiate careers. The sophomore from Riverwoods, Ill. recently secured her place on the USA Diving's FINA Grand Prix team by competing in the USA Diving International Team Selection Camp in Indianapolis. Loukas will travel with the team to compete in Zhuhai, China April 21-23.