Taylor Hockenberry may be on to something.

Mars’ decorated junior diver doesn’t have winning on her mind when she steps onto the board.

“I just want to do my best,” she said. “I focus on performing well, not winning.”

But that is exactly what Hockenberry has done. She is the defending WPIAL and PIAA Class AA girls champion, going undefeated in dual meets this season and capturing first place at the Midwestern Athletic Conference meet earlier this month.

“The MAC meet was the first time this year that she was fairly judged,” said Mars coach Maria Misenhelter. “She has been underscored for much of the season. Judges didn’t look at the height she was getting off the board or her technique.”

Hockenberry will compete at the WPIAL Class AA championship meet, set for Friday at Moon High School.

Last season, Hockenberry blew away the district competition with a score of 506.05, more than 45 points better than her nearest competitor.

It will be difficult to top that performance, but Hockenberry believes she has improved.

“My season has gone really well,” she said. “I’m definitely more consistent this year. Before I dive, I try to talk to my friends and just keep my mind occupied.”

“Diving is Taylor’s only sport and she does it year-round,” said Misenhelter. “She’s very confident and because of that, she can take risks. Confidence allows her to get the most height off the board.”

Misenhelter did mention one aspect of Hockenberry’s technique that could cost her points.

“With her back or inward takeoffs, Taylor usually has some air between her feet and the board (a crow hop) to get her timing down. Judges deduct points for that,” said Misenhelter. “We saw it at the MAC meet.”

“I take that into consideration,” said Hockenberry, “but if I do it and get off a good dive, that’s what I focus on.”

Also competing for Mars will be juniors Izzy Wroblewski and Mikayla Tiller, who placed 9th and 12th, respectively, last year.

Freshman Kristen Jerich will dive for Knoch.

In the Class AAA meet Saturday at North Allegheny, Seneca Valley will be represented by junior Alex Smithco, sophomores Peyton Moore and Gabrielle Romano and freshman Katelyn Caccomo.

Juniors Alexis Kauffman and Julianna DiPippa will dive for Butler.

Boys

Knoch senior Ben Lowery plans to soak up the atmosphere at his final WPIAL Class AA championship meet.

“I want to enjoy it more and just live for the moment,” said Lowery, who placed third in the district as a junior and fourth his sophomore year. “This is my last go-around.”

Knoch diving coach Ken Bedford has high hopes for Lowery.

“He’s had an unbelievable season,” said Bedford. “If he can stay focused and consistent, he can win this thing.”

Lowery knows that one of his top adversaries will be South Fayette junior Trevor Mahoney, who was runner-up last year.

“But I don’t watch any other divers until I’m finished,” he said. “You have to treat this like any other meet. If you’re scared and nervous, you’re not going anywhere.”

Lowery will be joined by senior teammate Shane Frishkorn.

In Class AAA, junior Alexander Laslavic and sophomore Dominik McGill will represent Seneca Valley while sophomore Jon Hansotte will compete for Butler.