CLOVIS, Calif. – Sophomore Molly Wilson won the Sac-Joaquin Section title and earned a spot at the CIF State Diving Championships Saturday. The competition begins at 8:30 a.m.

“I want to do my best and do all my dives like I know that I can,” said Wilson. “Hopefully, I won’t get last place.”

Wilson, who is from Carmichael, started diving just a year ago and was named Most Improved Diver at the school’s banquet after her freshman season. She has been competing in gymnastics since she was two years old and picked up the sport after a friend suggested she try it.  She is the second Troubadour to earn a berth in the state championships.

“It feels really good to accomplish so much so early in my high school time,” said Wilson. “I am going to keep working.”

The competition will include two cuts – the first after five dives and a second after three more dives to the final 16.

“I am going to try to enjoy the weekend and not put too much pressure on myself,” said Wilson.

Wilson scored 430.60 to defeat Natasha Sondeno (Pitman), who tallied 427.95, at the section meet. She is the fourth student-athlete in school history to win the section diving title, joining Reagan Reber (2001-03), Ashley Haney (2004) and Amy Crayne (2010, 2012).

“I really love the sport,” said Wilson. “It is really fun. I like the team and we are really close on the St. Francis team. It is nice to be around such a positive community. Diving is so fun.”

Wilson’s favorite dive is a back flip with a one-and-a-half twist.