Lively-Mason signs with University of Cincinnati

The REPORTER

Hamilton Heights senior Campbell Lively-Mason has signed a letter of intent to dive for the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, this fall. University of Cincinnati is a member of the Big 12 Conference and a NCAA Division I athletic institution. She is the daughter of Carrie Lively, Cameron Mason, and Casey Claus.

It was her visit to the University of Cincinnati campus that sealed the deal.

“All of the amenities available for student athletes allow them to succeed on and off the deck,” said Lively-Mason, a two-time conference diving champion, sectional champion, and a Top 10 State finalist who also participated in Hamilton Heights’ Unified Flag Football and Unified Track programs. “Having a support staff for nutrition, strength, recovery, and academics convinced me this is what will set me up for success. The brand-new educational buildings offer students new and advanced ways of learning along with hands-on training at UC’s hospital.”

This was attractive to Lively-Mason who plans to major in physical therapy with the goal of working in a hospital or therapeutic setting.

Lively-Mason entered the sport of diving by chance her freshman year after an elbow injury sustained in gymnastics. She started training with Ripfest Diving in Arcadia. Shortly thereafter, she began training full time during her summers, six days/40 hours each week.

“I was dedicated to becoming a competitive Division 1 athlete,” she recalled. “After a year of going through the recruiting process, I achieved my goal and became a Power 5 athlete (been diving for 4 ½ years).”

Lively-Masion credits her mom and her Ripfest coaches for their influence and support as she developed her diving skills. “They believed I could achieve things even when I didn’t believe in myself,” she noted.

“Campbell was a pleasure to work with,” former Hamilton Heights High School diving coach Steve Hoeferle said. “She has a great personality and will do great things at Cincinnati next Fall. Always wishing for the best for Campbell.”

“We are very excited for Campbell to have the opportunity to continue diving at the next level,” Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden said. “She has spent countless hours of training, both in the pool and doing dryland training, to earn this opportunity. We wish her the best at Cincinnati University.”

When Lively-Mason is not in the water, she works as a gymnastics coach at Wrights 360 and serves as a student athletic aide in the fall, winter, and spring.