Centerville’s Jolie Rusznak is seated next to parents Jason and Jodie Rusznak with coaches Brad Whited, Taylor Felker and Darren Ridenour.
CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Dreams do come true.
Centerville’s Jolie Rusznak signed with Indiana State University on Tuesday to continue her diving career at the Div. I level.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” she said. “My coach planted that seed.”
Centerville’s diving coach is Brad Whited, who works with Bulldogs Head Coach Darren Ridenour and assistant Taylor Felker.
“It is a great honor to coach a talented athlete as Jolie,” Whited said. “She is a positive and supportive individual that has trained and complete in many different sports, we coaches recognized her talent, coachablity, and natural leadership qualities, as well as her ability and joy of somersaulting, flying fearlessly through the air and all around mental toughness, which brought her to the sport of springboard diving.”
“I know with Indiana State University she found a welcoming fit from the school along with a swimming and diving staff that excited her in her educational desires and the opportunity to complete, learn and develop in this program.” Whited continued. “We are hoping for her this season continued success and even more success as she moves into the next level in this sport.”
Rusznak is the daughter of Jason and Jodie Rusznak.
“My coach and teammates helped me to believe in myself,” Jolie said. “Anything is possible if you really work at it.”
Indiana State was an easy choice.
“I’ve really grown through this experience.” Jolie said. “The moment I stepped on campus I knew I wanted to be there.”
“The team just made me feel instantly a part of the family,” she added. “I knew that I could be happy there for four years.”
The Sycamores compete in the Missouri Valley Conference under Head Coach Matt Leach and diving coach Fengting Chen.
“I really think they are going to help me really grow in my diving career,” Jolie said.
Rusznak finished ninth in the regional last season just one spot away from a state finals appearance.