Wisconsin Dive Club offers a progression of programs designed to meet athletes where they are. Every diver begins with a free evaluation. Placement is based on readiness, not age or experience alone. Foundations are built first. As skill, consistency, and commitment increase, athletes progress to the next level. Not every athlete follows the same path or timeline.
Progression is earned through preparation and readiness.
Start Your Diving Journey the Right Way
Every diver at Wisconsin Dive Club begins with a strong foundation.
The AquaCubs program introduces young athletes to the sport through structured, skill-based instruction. Athletes learn basic movement, body awareness, and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Upon successful completion of AquaCubs, athletes may progress into Little Badgers, the Development Group, or Academy, depending on readiness and goals. Placement is based on drive, focus, coachability, teachability, and interest, not age alone.
AquaCubs Learn-to-Dive lessons are offered during the academic school year and summer break. These lessons serve as an athlete’s Active Start and introduction to fundamental movement patterns used throughout their diving journey.
During the school year, sessions run in four-week blocks with two practices per week. Summer sessions are condensed into focused two-week programs.
No prior diving experience is required.
Building Confidence Through FUNdamentals
Little Badgers is the next step after AquaCubs and continues the FUNdamental stage of development.
This group focuses on reinforcing the skills introduced in AquaCubs while building confidence and consistency. Athletes practice fundamentals until they are comfortable, controlled, and repeatable.
New skills are introduced in a structured, light-hearted environment. Learning remains the priority. Play is used intentionally to support skill development and confidence, not as a replacement for instruction.
Athletes typically train one to two days per week based on readiness and schedule. Progression into the Development Group is based on consistency, focus, and coachability.
Building Consistency and Readiness
The Development Group bridges Little Badgers and the Badger Academy.
This program is designed for athletes who are ready for increased structure and consistency but are not yet pursuing the demands of the Academy. The focus is on refining fundamentals, building confidence, and developing the habits required for more advanced training.
Athletes train with greater intention, practicing skills until they are repeatable and controlled. Dryland and water training are both emphasized, with attention to movement quality, body awareness, and safe progression.
Training typically takes place two to three days per week, depending on readiness and schedule. Progression into the Badger Academy is based on consistency, focus, coachability, and demonstrated readiness for increased commitment.
The Development Group is a strong destination and a natural stepping stone. Athletes move forward when they are prepared, not when they are rushed.
Learning to Train
The Badger Academy is where athletes begin learning how to train with purpose.
This program is designed for divers who are ready for more structure and consistency and want to pursue diving at a higher level. The focus shifts from participation to preparation, with an emphasis on skill acquisition, time management, and personal responsibility.
Athletes typically train two to four days per week. Training includes both dryland and water work, with equal emphasis on movement quality, body control, and technical execution.
The Academy is organized into multiple levels that serve as the foundation of Wisconsin Dive Club’s competitive pathway. Athletes learn the art and science of diving through progressive skill development, including basic dives, somersaulting, and introductory twisting.
Progression through the Academy is based on mastery, consistency, and coachability. Athletes receive individual attention and are encouraged to progress at their own pace.
Upon successful completion of Academy levels, athletes may be invited to continue along the competitive pathway, including Pre-Team and Travel Team opportunities.
Preparing for Competitive Commitment
Pre-Team is the testing ground between the Badger Academy and the Travel Team.
This group is designed for athletes who are showing readiness for competitive diving and want to be evaluated in a higher-demand training environment. Pre-Team allows coaches and athletes to assess consistency, focus, and response to increased expectations before committing to the Travel Team.
Training emphasizes:
Pre-Team is evaluative by design. Placement is not guaranteed, and advancement is not automatic. Athletes move forward based on readiness, coachability, and demonstrated ability to handle the demands of competitive training.
Competitive Pathway
Divers are invited to the Travel Team from the Badger Academy and Pre-Team.
This group competes on the USA Diving regional circuit, with training geared toward qualifying for and placing well at Zone Championships and earning opportunities to advance to Junior National competitions.
Training and competition expectations i
Competitive Pathway
Divers are invited to the Travel Team from the Badger Academy and Pre-Team.
This group competes on the USA Diving regional circuit, with training geared toward qualifying for and placing well at Zone Championships and earning opportunities to advance to Junior National competitions.
Training and competition expectations increase significantly at this level.
Participation on the Travel Team requires commitment, consistency, and accountability from both athletes and families.
Invitation to this group reflects readiness, not entitlement.
High-Performance Training
Badger Elite is an invite-only program for athletes pursuing the highest levels of competitive diving.
This group trains year-round, including the high school season, summer camps, and school breaks. Training is comprehensive and demanding, with emphasis on conditioning, dryland, water skills, list development, and
High-Performance Training
Badger Elite is an invite-only program for athletes pursuing the highest levels of competitive diving.
This group trains year-round, including the high school season, summer camps, and school breaks. Training is comprehensive and demanding, with emphasis on conditioning, dryland, water skills, list development, and detailed video analysis.
Athletes in Badger Elite are focused on the USA Diving competitive pathway, with the goal of qualifying for and scoring points at USA Diving Junior and Senior National Championships. Long-term opportunities may include selection to USA Diving High Performance programs or national team representation at events such as Junior Pan American and Junior World Championships.
Placement in Badger Elite reflects readiness, consistency, and sustained commitment. Expectations are high, and standards are applied consistently.
Sustaining Excellence
The Senior Team is designed for experienced athletes who continue training beyond the traditional junior pathway.
This group supports continued development, competitive involvement, and personal growth within the sport. Training is individualized based on goals, readiness, and long-term participation.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.