Cape Central’s Tommy-Anne Marriott signs with Ball State swim and dive

Cape Central's Tommy-Anne Marriott signs her letter of intent with her sisters Danika Marriott (Left) and Emily Marriott (right) by her side.

Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

Diving is more than just a hobby for Cape Central’s Tommy-Anne Marriott, it’s a lifestyle.

Marriott’s hard work and dedication to her craft was rewarded on Thursday when she signed her letter of intent to dive collegiately at Ball State University.

“Ever since I was about 11 years old I knew that I never wanted to quit diving,” Marriott said. “I just knew I wanted to keep going.”

Part of Marriott’s decision to go to Ball State was prior experience working with Cardinals diving coach Brendon Stevens.

“As soon as I stepped foot into the pool and on the campus and met everyone on the team, I just knew immediately it was where I wanted to go,” Marriott said.

The camaraderie she felt while visiting the campus reminded her of her teammates at Cape Central.

“It was just the unison and the team,” Marriott said. “I love that on the Cape Central team we are all best friends and I wanted another team of best friends.”

The recruiting process was something Marriott initially wasn’t familiar with.

“It was absolutely terrifying,” Marriott said. “I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know I was supposed to email coaches until like mid junior year and I felt so behind. But, once I got the hang of things I understood it.”

Once Marriott did understand what she needed to do, she went to work.

“Every college coaches email I could find I was sending them all my accolades,” Marriott said.

While Marriott fell in love with the campus of Ball State quickly, perhaps the biggest challenge she will face will be the fact the campus is nearly 400 miles away from Cape Girardeau.

“I have four siblings so leaving them behind is definitely going to be hard,” Marriott said. “But, I’m also kind of excited to pack up and move away and just be on my own.”

Looking back on her time with the Tigers, Marriott’s favorite memories involve her teammates.

“My favorite memories would have to be just the way all the girls adapt to all the challenges we face,” Marriott said. “Also, cutting each other’s hair off at state every year is a core memory for sure.”

While Marriott has her future decided, she still has the rest of the season with Cape Central to go and Marriott and the Tigers are back in action on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Rockwood Summit Quad.