For Megan Kuzma, the waiting was the hardest part. With all of her Dallas teammates competing at PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships earlier in the week, Kuzma had to wait until Saturday to take part in the diving event.

Though it may have been a little stressful knowing she would be competing on the final day of the event at Bucknell University, she still found a way to show she is one of the best in the state.

Kuzma won a Class 2A bronze medal with an overall score of 400.55 , improving on last year’s fourth-place performance. And improving on last year’s score is what she entered the event hoping to do.

Year: Senior

Hometown: Dallas

Age: 17

What’s it like having to wait until Saturday to compete in the diving event: Last year we went down midweek, had a team dinner and the next morning I was able to compete. This year was a little more stressful. It was definitely in the back of my head.

How often do you practice and what do those practices entail: We practice six days a week for about two hours. What we have done leading up to the district and state meet is put a list of dives on a board that we are going to compete. We go through four or five of each dive trying to perfect it.

To place third in the state event, what does that mean: It’s really amazing. It was very exciting to be able to bump up a place. Every time we did cuts, I was in fourth. This year I have never seen the competition like this. The top eight are all super close. If you botched a dive you dropped down far.

You broke a 20-year record earlier this season. Were you aware of it at the time: It meant a lot to me, especially since it was a record set by Mariel Adams, who was a former diver my mom coached. To break her record is exciting. It stood for 20 years.

Is there one particular dive that is your favorite: My back dive. It is a very simple dive. It’s a back dive pike. It’s so simple and so easy. I was able to perfect it to the point where I do it people look at me and smile and say move on. It’s my absolute favorite.

What is it like being on the diving board and knowing everyone in the natatorium is looking at you: It is honestly stressful to think about. I was a gymnast for eight years, so I had experience with everyone watching me at an event. It wasn’t a big change for me. It is different from gymnastics because the whole place has to be silent and everyone is focusing on you.

What are your hobbies outside of school: I love to do nails. I have my own nail side hustle. I have a salon set up in our spare bedroom. I do it for my friends and people who reach out to me. I enjoy doing nails, especially for prom and homecoming. It is fun to see my work on other peoples hands.

How would you describe yourself: Fun and energetic. There is never a dull moment with me or my friends. We are very into doing side quests. I’m always running around. I’m never sitting down.

Favorite food: My mom’s homemade mac and cheese.

Dream vacation: Santibel Island in Florida. It is known for its shells. It is something special for my family. We shell every year.

Dream prom date: Ian Somerhalder.

Favorite subject in school: Math

Most embarrassing moment: Last year during Christmas, I was holding boxes walking down the steps and I had socks on. I flew down the stairs and the boxes went everywhere.

The one thing nobody knows about you until now: I’m a hoarder.

The team is coming over for dinner, what are you making: Pasta.

The best part of high school: The freedom to see friends and have fun.

Favorite TV show: Vampire Diaries.

Favorite movie: “Moana.”

Something you think is easy until you actually have to do it: Cleaning my room

Have you ever had the urge to get up on the diving board at a competition and just yell “cannonball” and let it rip: Yes. Definitely. I have not done that.

Any diver in the world. Name one you would like to go up against: Hayden Taylor from Bethlehem Freedom High School. I competed against her twice. I love watching her dive.

The one thing you are most afraid of: The dark.

Future plans: Attend The College of New Jersey to major in nursing to become a CRNA. Also, continue to dive.