Austin, Texas – In a significant move for the Texas A&M diving program, Leonardo Garcia is set to join the Aggies as a graduate transfer for the upcoming fall season. Garcia, originally from Colombia, has an impressive background as a five-time All-American and has actively qualified for the NCAA Championships throughout his four years of college competition.
Garcia’s most notable performance came at the 2023 NCAA Championships, where he showcased his diving skills and achieved a score of 366.35 on the platform, tying for 6th place. Additionally, he competed in the consolation final for the 1-meter dive, finishing 15th overall. This past season, he earned a bronze medal in the platform event at the SEC Championships with a score of 418.65, marking his podium debut in this prestigious competition.
Before heading to Texas A&M, Garcia competed at Florida for three years, and his collegiate journey began at Missouri. His transfer signifies a unique milestone as he becomes the third diver from the SEC to join the Aggies. Texas A&M diving, led by seasoned coach Jay Lerew, is renowned for its strong program, having produced some of the top divers in the nation over the years.
Garcia’s consistency is evident as he graced the A-final on the platform at SECs in each season he was at Florida. His international competition also highlights his talent; he represented Colombia at the World Aquatics Championships earlier this year, finishing 31st in the 10m platform event.
As Garcia prepares to dive into a new chapter at Texas A&M, he will be joined by other talented new recruits like Travis Gulledge and Jaxon Bowshire, promising to bolster the already competitive diving squad for the 2024-25 season. With this new addition, Aggie fans can expect an exciting year ahead as the team aims to rise in national rankings and make a strong impact at future championships.
