Emily Desiderio: The Unstoppable Double Threat Chasing State Glory, From Trail to Springboard

There are athletes, and then there’s Emily Desiderio. You know, the kind who make you wonder if they’ve somehow figured out how to add extra hours to the day. Because, honestly, what this Niagara-Wheatfield junior is doing, juggling elite-level cross country and competitive diving, well, it’s pretty darn remarkable.

Just recently, she did it again, securing her spot at the state cross country championships for a second straight year. Think about that for a second: two years running, punching her ticket to the big show. She clocked an impressive 19:55.77 at the Section VI Class A Championships, earning a top-10 finish. That’s not just fast; it’s consistent, dedicated speed, a testament to serious grind.

But here’s the kicker, the really wild part: even as her lungs are burning on the cross country course, her mind is already half-submerged in the world of diving. Yes, diving! She’s already qualified for sectionals in that sport too, and now, she’s setting her sights on another state berth, this time from the springboard. It’s a testament to her unique athletic spirit — a desire to conquer two vastly different disciplines.

How does she manage it? The sheer physical and mental demand of balancing both sports? It’s a question many coaches and fellow athletes might ponder. Yet, Emily, she just… does it. Her cross country coach, Rich Costello, speaks volumes about her versatility, calling her an “athlete who can do it all.” And her diving coach? That would be her dad, Mark Desiderio, who, you could say, knows a thing or two about her unwavering commitment. He’s seen firsthand the hours, the dedication, the way she pushes herself.

For Emily, there’s a clear love for both. The open road, the rhythmic pounding of feet, the camaraderie of the cross country team – it all calls to her. But then there’s the quiet precision, the daredevil artistry of diving, the feeling of soaring through the air before slicing cleanly into the water. Both demand a different kind of focus, a unique set of skills, and she’s mastering them both, in truth, with an almost effortless grace.

Once cross country wraps up, her full attention, of course, will shift entirely to the pool. Last year, she made a strong showing at sectionals, placing 14th. This year, the goal is bigger, bolder: another trip to states. It’s a challenge, sure, but if anyone’s proven they thrive on challenge, it’s Emily Desiderio. She’s not just competing; she’s defining what it means to be a truly multi-talented high school athlete, setting a standard that, honestly, leaves you pretty inspired.