Freshman phenom is a diving guru

Issaquah diver Robert Gref is thriving during his freshman season.

Typically, freshman athletes aren’t on the varsity roster at the high school level due to their youth and relative inexperience.

Issaquah Eagles freshman diver Robert Gref is undoubtedly proving himself to be one of the exceptions to the rule.

Issaquah Eagles second-year dive coach Valerie Young believes the sky is the limit for Gref in the 1-meter dive event.

“I think he will be an All-American diver. My goal is that he will hopefully win state. It is just amazing to have someone on the team excelling the way that he is. Robert has been in the diving club for many years and I know he was a gymnast,” Young said. “His ability to be perfect and do it over and over again with repetition is amazing. He works so hard to get what he wants. That absolutely motivates everyone else on the team.”

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Gref a few questions about his life away from the world of diving.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Robert Gref: It is “Crazy Rich Asians.”

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

RG: When people kick your seat when you are on the airplane.

IR: What is your favorite restaurant in Issaquah?

RG: Tutta Bella (pizza restaurant). It has good food.

IR: What is your dream vacation spot?

RG: Fiji. It is nice, warm and tropical.

IR: What is your favorite hobby away from swimming and diving?

RG: I like art and drawing.

IR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

RG: I see myself diving in college.