Junior Mira Wiegman did not begin her athletic career on the diving board. Wiegman was a gymnast from a young age, but at 13 she decided to take her athletic journey in a different direction. She took on a new challenge: diving. While the switch could have been difficult, her background in gymnastics gave her a strong foundation, leading to her becoming a 2027 Princeton University commit.
Wiegman’s background in gymnastics helped her adjust to the switch more easily, but without the support and bonds she has built with her teammates, she would not be where she is today.
“They are some of my best friends now, and that is what makes me look forward to coming to practice every day. If it were not for them, I do not think I would be where I am now. It is just so cool to see and meet new people through the sport,” Wiegman said.
As Wiegman continued to improve, she realized she had a natural talent for the sport. As the recruitment process for the class of 2027 began, Wiegman began to consider the possibility of elevating her diving abilities. Seeing her older teammates navigate through the recruiting process made her realize that getting into a top university could be a realistic goal.
“When I saw the class of 2026 start to go through the recruiting process, it made me realize this is something I could do. I kind of had a ways to go, so I decided to really throw myself into it and push myself,” Wiegman said.
That push paid off when Wiegman committed to Princeton University in November 2025. Instead of relaxing after her commitment, Wiegman raised her expectations for herself. She continues to approach practices and meets with focus, viewing her commitment as motivation to keep improving.
“It is definitely not like, okay, I’m committed, I can just chill out now. It is like, there’s my spot that I need to work for. It’s more of a motivator than it is a relaxer. I think Princeton is just the best school that would push me for diving and also academically to set me up best for the future,” Wiegman said.
With the pressure of committing to an Ivy League college, managing nerves and expectations can be a significant struggle for student athletes. Wiegman has taught herself how to rely on routine and balance, helping her manage time precisely.
“For me, it’s being able to section off different parts of my day for different stuff. Like, I definitely have a routine that I go through every day,” Wiegman said.
Wiegman also looks up to the current Princeton dive team as a motivator to keep pushing herself.
“I follow their meets, and I realize that is gonna be me in a couple of years, so that is kind of my goal, and that is what I am looking to become in the next few years,” Wiegman said.
As Wiegman finishes off her high school years, she remains focused on balancing school, diving and her personal growth. With the support of her teammates and the opportunity to join one of the nation’s top collegiate programs, she hopes to keep pushing herself and improve as an athlete.
“Diving has taught me a lot about being able to trust the process and know that minor setbacks do not always show up in the overall picture of things,” Wiegman said.
