AUBURN, Ala. – Freshman Emily Hallifax ended the 2025 Zone B Championships on a high note, finishing fourth in the Platform competition to secure her spot at next week’s NCAA Championships in Federal Way, Washington.
“I was just focused on enjoying the moment,” said Hallifax. “I came back from France last week and I knew I had very little time to get adjusted. I knew I could get it done on platform if I just stuck to my normal routine and focused on the easy things.”
“She continues to impress me every day,” said head diving coach John Fox. “Her schedule is really challenging and she has major aspirations. We’ve tried to put her in positions to achieve those types of goals. It takes a special person to do what she’s been doing and I’m looking forward to seeing how we do next week.”
All three Tigers made their way into finals on Wednesday. Platform specialist Emily Hallifax led the way with a sturdy 282.25 to sit fifth with five dives to go. Abigail Farrar, fresh off her 11th-place finish in 3-meter, produced a 260.45 to grab ninth before finals.
Chloe Brothers (249.45) and Kayla Walsh (227.20) were 12th and 15th, respectively after prelims.
Hallifax never faltered in finals, averaging 57.17 points per dive. Her total of 568.10 was good enough for fourth place, well inside the top-seven cut mark for NCAAs.
“It means a lot because I know there’s more to come,” Hallifax explained. “It’s just the start and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Farrar managed to break the 500-point barrier as well, sliding into 10th with a 504.60. Brothers was right behind in 11th at 489.85. Walsh would finish 18th with a 420.95.