Coaching Staff
The Jayhawk Diving Club boasts the finest collection of coaches in the area. The JDC coaching staff has combined for over 75 years of experience in the sport of diving, and has extensive experience working with athletes at all skill levels. In the past 5 years alone the JDC coaching staff has trained divers to 3 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifications, 2 Junior National Championships, 14 Junior National Finals, 5 High School State Championships, and over 75 State High School Medals.
The JDC coaching staff is versed in the latest and safest diving techniques, and will work diligently to insure that your athlete receives the safest and most effective training available.
The JDC coaching staff is versed in the latest and safest diving techniques, and will work diligently to insure that your athlete receives the safest and most effective training available.
Program Director: Eric Elliott
Eric has served as the University of Kansas Head Diving Coach and the Program Director for the Jayhawk Diving Club since 2004. In that time, Eric has coached an NCAA Division I All-American, has had two divers represent Kansas at the NCAA Championships, and was named Big 12 Diving Coach of the Year in 2009. Likewise, Eric has led the Jayhawk Diving Club to success, with three former JDC athletes competing at the 2012 Olympic Trials. Eric coached Clark Thomas to the 2012 Olympic Trials finals in 3-meter synchornized diving. In his time with the Jayhawk Diving Club Eric has also coached a 2-time Junior National Champion, developed several junior national qualifiers and finalists, and lead the program to the 2008 Region V Team Championship.
Head Coach: Ryan Meeker
A former collegiate diver with and graduate of the University of Missouri, Ryan has served as the Head Coach for the Jayhawk Diving Club since 2011 and been a member of the coaching staff since 2010. Prior to joining JDC Ryan coached age group with Great Plains Diving and the Mizzou Diving Club. Ryan has further experience at the high school and summer league levels. In his coaching career Ryan has worked with several state high school champions, junior national qualifiers, and an Olympic Trials finalist. As an athlete Ryan was the Kansas State Champion, a high school All-American, and a Big 12 Finalist.
Assistant Coach: Gabe Downey
Gabe Downey joined the JDC staff in 2012. A graduate of UMKC, Gabe was previously the Program Director for the Great Plains Diving Club, coaching several junior national qualifiers and finalists, as well as many state high school champions and finalists. Gabe also currently serves as the Head Coach for the boys and girls diving teams at Shawnee Mission North High School.
Assistant Coach: Steve Robbins
Steve grew up in Omaha and was 2 time Nebraska High School State diving Champion. He went on to dive at Princeton University where he won All-Ivy League honors as well as being named an NCAA All-American. Steve qualified and competed in the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials. He has been coaching since the mid 1980's at the age group and High School level. Steve and Ann live in Kansas City and enjoy their travels.
