The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory for Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving. From world championship performances to international team selections and standout results on home soil, MVND athletes continue to demonstrate the excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit that define our program.
Grace Yeomans Becomes Junior World Champion
Leading the way is Grace Yeomans, who delivered a remarkable performance at the Junior World High Diving Championships to capture the gold medal in the Women’s 15–16 High Diving event.
Competing against the best young high divers in the world, Grace displayed incredible composure, courage, and consistency throughout the competition. Her victory earned her the title of Junior World Champion and marked a significant milestone not only in her career, but also in the proud history of Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving.
Grace’s achievement reflects years of hard work, commitment, and fearless pursuit of excellence. The entire MVND community is incredibly proud of her accomplishment and looks forward to supporting her continued success on the international stage.
Nadadores Athletes Earn Spots on Team USA
The future remains bright for Mission Viejo diving, with Callie Fox and Kayla Jensen earning selection to represent the United States at the 2026 Junior World Diving Championships in Rijeka, Croatia this August.
Earning a place on Team USA is one of the highest honors available to junior athletes, and both divers have demonstrated the consistency, skill, and determination required to compete against the world’s best.
Adding to the excitement, Coach John will also travel to Croatia as a member of the Team USA coaching staff, further highlighting the strength and reputation of the Mission Viejo coaching program.
The entire Nadadores family congratulates Callie, Kayla, and Coach John on this tremendous achievement and wishes them the very best as they prepare for Junior Worlds.
Home Pool Advantage at the TYR Junior Americas Cup
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Marguerite Aquatics Complex welcomed some of the top junior diving talent from around the globe for the TYR Junior Americas Cup.
As hosts, the Mission Viejo Nadadores were proud to showcase both their facility and their athletes. Representing Team USA were Kinley May, Sawyer Watts, Zoe Quigley, Kayla Jensen, and Callie Fox, while international Nadadores Ivan Kliminov and Karolina Polizos represented Russia and Brazil, respectively.
Competing in front of a hometown crowd, the Nadadores delivered outstanding performances throughout the event, combining for an impressive 10 podium finishes. The competition highlighted the depth of talent within the program and provided athletes with valuable international-level experience.
Hosting an event of this caliber reinforces Mission Viejo’s standing as one of the premier diving destinations in the country and gives local athletes the unique opportunity to compete against world-class talent without leaving home.
Masters Divers Continue Winning Tradition
Success was not limited to the junior ranks.
At the USA Diving Masters Spring Championships, Mission Viejo’s Masters divers once again demonstrated the strength of the program, bringing home a combined 13 medals.
Lisa Meller, Janelle Sherako, and Rob Cain led the charge, earning:
- 7 Gold Medals
- 5 Silver Medals
- 1 Bronze Medal
Their performances serve as a reminder that excellence in diving has no age limit and that the passion for the sport remains strong throughout every stage of an athlete’s journey.
Looking Ahead
As the summer championship season continues, Mission Viejo Nadadores Diving remains firmly positioned among the nation’s elite programs. From developing future world champions to producing international representatives and fostering lifelong participation in the sport, the program continues to set the standard for excellence.
With Junior Worlds on the horizon, national championship events approaching, and athletes continuing to raise the bar at every level, the momentum is only building.
Congratulations to all of our divers, coaches, and families on an incredible start to the summer. We can’t wait to see what comes next.