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"She just did an awesome job. She is just a perfect example of having her thinking in the right place, which resulted in some great results." The mental focus and attention to detail that helped Matthews secure a national title are the same attributes that helped her overcome two career-threatening injuries and the intensive rehabilitations that followed. And according to Matthews, Soldati is a big reason for that. A nationally renowned diving coach at both the collegiate and international levels, Soldati has now coached Purdue divers to seven national titles. Before coaching Matthews to her championship this spring, Soldati oversaw David Boudia's six NCAA crowns. It is that coaching pedigree that attracted Matthews to Purdue in the first place. "Adam is really one of the biggest reasons I chose Purdue," said Matthews, who also seriously considered Auburn. "The training and team aspects that he brings to this program, those were really the deciding factors for me. After I had a chance to meet one-on-one with him, there was no one else I wanted to compete for." Soldati is supremely skilled in coaching the physical side of diving, evidenced by the titles his divers have captured during his tenure. But there is another side to his coaching style that fosters the kind of national and international success Purdue divers have enjoyed over the past half-dozen years. Diving is a highly technical sport. Points are awarded for timing, form and execution of spins, somersaults and landing points. But as divers launch themselves from 1-, 3-, and 10-meter boards, sometimes the most important space is the six inches between their ears. The preparation and state of mind of divers as they step to the edge of the board can determine success or failure even before they launch toward the water below. Soldati not only acknowledges the mental aspect of the competition, he embraces it. There is an emphasis on the present within Soldati's program, approaching each dive on its own merits, and not getting caught up in points and final standings. "The biggest thing in diving is being focused on the next dive — the one right on front of you," Matthews said. "And having fun. "Adam is great to have as a coach. He's just a happy guy and knows how to keep things light-hearted at the facility and with the team. He talks a lot about having the right mindset on each dive and focusing on how we go about things every day as opposed to results. He is really patient and understanding with everyone." Five years after first meeting Soldati, Matthews feels a special bond with the coach that has been right there alongside her the whole time — through the successes and failures, through the injuries and the long rehabs. "He is my No. 1 supporter," Matthews said. "I dedicate my success to him. To know that he has as much confidence in me as I have in myself was huge for me. That really was a big boost throughout the entire weekend." With her title, Matthews joined elite company with Boudia as only the second Boilermaker to win a national championship in diving. That feat isn't lost on the redshirt junior. "That is a really special accomplishment," Matthews said. "It really is surreal to me. To win this title, it was really a special moment for me. I was just so proud to be able to represent Purdue in this way and there is no way I could have done this without my team and coaches. I had some really tough hurdles to overcome." Matthews and Boudia were teammates for three seasons at Purdue. Matthews' success is no surprise to the former national champion and Olympian. "We trained together all throughout our Purdue careers," Boudia said. "It's been a long time coming for that national championship for her, because that girl has so much talent, probably one of the most talented, naturally gifted divers that I've ever seen. "To see her finally pull it out and win a national championship for the Black and Gold was definitely awesome." Matthews is now focused on returning for her senior season in West Lafayette and defending her title in the 3-meter as well as competing in the 1-meter next spring. Matthews has the opportunity to become only the third individual in Purdue athletics history to win back-to-back national titles. For now, the plan is not to return to platform diving but to continue focusing on springboard events. "That was tough, to give up competing in the platform," Matthews said. "That was my best dive, but I now know that it happened for a reason. "It was a real joy that I made it back after being out for two years. I now know what it takes to compete at the highest level — the mental part that is required. I know I can do it. "I realize there is more to come." j Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 5com

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