Grace Wesche has been named the 2026 MPSF Diver of the Year, marking a historic accomplishment as the only MPSF female diver to compete at the NCAA Championship, finishing 21st. She qualified for nationals with standout performances at the NCAA Zone E Championships, earning All-MPSF honors in all three diving events. Head coach Nikki Kelsey was also honored as the MPSF Diving Coach of the Year, leading Wesche and her team to significant achievements, including a podium sweep in the one-meter event.

By the Numbers
  • Wesche finished 21st at the NCAA Championship, the highest finish for an NAU diver.
  • Kelsey earned MPSF Coach of the Year honors, marking the first such award for an NAU coach.
Yes, But

While Wesche's achievements are commendable, some might argue that her performance at the NCAA Championship, finishing 21st, reflects a gap between her and the top competitors nationally, which could raise questions about future performance benchmarks.

State of Play
  • The NAU diving team performed excellently, with their divers earning six of the nine first-team All-MPSF honors.
  • Kelsey previously earned multiple coaching accolades, indicating a strong program foundation.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Wesche and her teammates will aim to improve on their national performances. Kelsey is expected to continue developing the diving program, potentially building on this year's successes and fostering new talent for upcoming competitions.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Wesche and Kelsey underscores NAU's emerging prominence in NCAA diving, signaling a promising future for the program as they build on this season's achievements.