SPRINGFIELD, MA—This weekend,
Haochen Liu and
Calder Biondi traveled to Springfield College to compete in the 2025 NCAA Division III Region 3 Diving Championships. Both Liu and Biondi qualified for this competition following what were amazing performances during the regular season and at the NESCAC Championships. Divers compete at this meet for an invitation to the NCAA Division III National Championships.
On Friday afternoon, both Liu and Biondi competed on the 3 meter boards (11 dives). Liu ended up finishing in 1st place with a final score of 517.1, with Biondi not too behind in 3rd place with a final score of 478.10. This guarantees Liu's bid to NCAAs. Liu's highest scoring dive came in Round 8, when he completed a back 2 1/2 Somersault Tuck (205C) for a score of 60.20. That was the second highest scoring dive of Round 8. Liu also had highest scoring dives in round 2 and 9, executing back dive straight and reverse 2 1/2 somersault tuck respectively. Biondi's highest scoring dive notably came in the 10th round of competition. He scored 63 points for his forward 2 1/2 somersault 1 twist pike (5152B). This was the highest scoring dive of the round. His inward 2 1/2 somersault pike (405B) in the ninth round of diving scored almost as many points (58.50).
On Saturday afternoon, Liu and Biondi were back at in on the 1 meter boards (11 dives). Biondi had stunning optional dives propelling him to first place with 483.75 points, qualifying for NCAAs. Liu placed fourth with 458.65 points. Biondi completed three dives which scored over 50 points, with his highest-scoring diving being his ninth round reverse 2 1/2 somersault tuck (305C) for 58.50 points. He also had a stellar back 2 1/2 somersault tuck (205C), the highest scoring dive in round 8. Liu's highest scoring dive came from the ninth round: inward 1 1/2 somersault pike (403B) for 50.40 points. Liu also had a clean back 1 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 Twist Free (5233D) to close out his performance this weekend.
"I am excited to compete with my dive teammates, support my swim teammates and see some of the best our country has to offer [at NCAAs]." Biondi said.
This was dive coach
Brandon Pearson's second season with the Ephs, and it was surely a remarkable one for the Williams Diving Program as he received 2025 NESCAC Diving Coach of the Year last week at the NESCAC Championships. "It is absolutely jaw dropping to see a diver place first on a board at the NCAA qualifying regional meet. Let alone seeing both Williams Men do so." Pearson said. "I could not ask for a better finish from the dynamic duo of
Haochen Liu and
Calder Biondi. They're unstoppable."
From March 19-22, Liu and Biondi will join 10 Ephmen competing at the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in Greensboro, NC. That meet will conclude the 2024-25 season.
