Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer

Elizabeth Pucci-Schaefer, a soon-to-be Fredonia High School graduate, is preparing for her collegiate diving career at Penn State University by joining the Amateur Athletic Union National team.

After a spectacular showing at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championships last fall with her first-place finish, Pucci-Schaefer has been back in the pool diving and active at many qualifying events with the Buffalo Blizzards Diving Club.

One such meet in March led her to making her international debut. Competing at the Regional Qualifying Diving event in New London, Connecticut, she clinched a first-place finish on the 1-meter board and a second-place finish on the 3-meter board. Those efforts earned Pucci-Schaefer a coveted spot on the AAU National Team, securing an official invitation to represent the United States and AAU Diving at the Rijeka Open in Rijeka, Croatia, July 3-6.

“I am honored to represent our local community as a part of Team USA on an international level.” she said.

Pucci-Schaefer will be embarking on her journey right after receiving her diploma. Warm-ups begin June 30.