Who
we are

Arctic Diving Club is a nonprofit junior and master springboard diving program based in Anchorage, Alaska, dedicated to providing high-quality coaching at an exceptional value. Open to all ages and skill levels, we welcome everyone, from beginners taking their first leap to athletes training for competition. As a community-focused organization, we believe public pools are vital resources that should serve everyone, and we work to keep costs low while delivering top-tier instruction. Our expert coaching has helped athletes earn full-ride athletic scholorships and spots on prestigious D1 college diving teams, proving that with the right support, Alaskan divers can compete at the highest levels. We strive to foster confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for diving in a fun, supportive environment.

Meet the Coaches

  • Coach Matt (Matthew McDaniel)

    FOUNDER, CLUB PRESIDENT, COACH

  • Coach Jami

    Jami is a lifelong Alaskan, accomplished diver, and dedicated coach.

    She grew up in Chugiak, Alaska, training with Arctic Diving Club before making her mark as a two-time Alaska state champion and state record holder for Eagle River High School. Her success propelled her to Division I competition at the University of Hawaii, where she earned multiple All-MPSF honors, won an MPSF Championship title in 1-meter diving, and competed at the NCAA Zone Championships.

    Now, Jami is passionate about coaching and mentoring young athletes. She has come full circle, coaching at the very club where she began her diving journey. Beyond diving, she also coaches skiing at Arctic Valley and leads FCA Action Sports in Alaska, helping athletes develop both skill and mental toughness—whether on the boards or in the outdoors

  • Coach Nat (Natalie)

    Natalie’s passion for rock climbing, trail running, skiing, and the outdoors led her to Anchorage as a traveling physical therapist. Luckily for Arctic Diving, she recently took a full-time mobile therapy PT position with Therapeutic Health and Home and will hopefully be around to coach for a long while!

    Natalie was born and raised in Maryland, where she competed in springboard diving at the Junior Olympics and Nationals from the age of 7 through college.

    Her collegiate journey began at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), but a significant shoulder injury and intensive surgery sidelined her for her first two years. Determined to recover and return to competition, she worked through rehab, an experience that ultimately inspired her career in physical therapy. She made a record-breaking comeback, becoming the first RIT diver to earn All-America honors and was named RIT Comeback Athlete of the Year in 2016.

    Natalie then transferred to West Virginia University (WVU), where she competed as a Division I diver, qualified for the NCAA Zone Championships, and was a three-time USA Diving National Qualifier. She also holds multiple West Virginia state records. After earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), she completed a post-doctorate program at the University of Rochester Medical Center, earning her Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) credentials.

  • Coach Andy

    We’re excited to welcome Andy to our coaching staff! Andy recently moved to Anchorage from Oregon for a new job as an architect and started coaching with us in February 2025.

    Andy brings an impressive diving background from the University of Missouri, where he competed at the NCAA Zone D Diving Championships and earned multiple podium finishes at the Mizzou Invite. He still ranks among Mizzou’s top 10 all-time divers on both 1-meter and platform.

    Some of his career-best scores include:

    1-Meter: 343.55

    3-Meter: 353.25

    Platform: 345.65

    For those who know what they’re looking at, those are 6-dive scores—wow! We’re lucky to have Andy on board and can’t wait for our divers to learn from his experience!

  • Coach Nick

    VOLUNTEER COACH and Dive Parent

Key Benefits & Frequently Asked Questions

  • No waitlist and no pre-registration needed, just show up and we’ll get you on the boards!

  • Flexible Schedule! -attend the days that work for you

  • Miss a practice? No problem! Make up missed days anytime

  • New 1 meter and 3 meter springboards!

  • Great for building confidence and athleticism

  • For fun and recreation or to prepare for competitive high school and college diving.

Coach Jami

  • Anyone! We welcome all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners (youngest is currently 4 years old), to competitive divers. The only requirement is that you know how to swim and are willing to try your best!

  • Absolutely! Your first week is Free!

    We get it, sometimes even if a kid is physically ready, they’d still rather be diving for rings in the shallow end (it’s happened before!). That why we offer a free one week trial period -your child can attend up to 4 practices in a single week (Monday-Thursday) to give it a real try before signing up.

  • Nope! Our amazing coaches work with all skill levels, from first-time divers to experienced athletes.

  • No waitlist! No enrollment period or stressful registration deadlines—just show up to a practice, and we'll get you on the boards! Your first week is free (Mon-Thurs) After, we'll send you right back to this website where you can choose your number of practices per week and self register.

  • As of January, 2025, practices are held year-round at Bettye Davis East High School Pool in Anchorage, Alaska. Monday-Thursday. Younger/Newer athletes 5-6:30 PM, experienced divers 6:30-8 PM.

    Additionally, we hold practices at Dimond High School over summer break, Monday and Wednesday 5-6:30 PM (no 3m high dive).

  • Monday - Thursday, 5-6:30 PM

  • -Swim suit (one-piece for girls, jammer or briefs for boys -Regular swim trunks ok for starting out)

    -Towel

    -A great attitude :)

  • Nope! In addition to board time, we incorporate dryland training, stretching, and body control drills. Occasional outings to the trampoline park.

  • Not for younger kids. Parents should stick around for the little ones-it’s fun to watch their progress!

  • Yes! Diving is a great pathway to college scholarships and competitive programs, and we have divers working towards that goal.

Pricing

USA Diving Athlete Membership

$43/year for Recreational

$203/year for Competitive

Memberships are good until the end of the calendar year, must be renewed at the end of every December. Select Alaska, Arctic Diving Club, and Matthew McDaniel.

Weekly Dive Practice 

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

Customize your training to fit your schedule and budget!

Practices are 1.5 hours long, great fun and great value!

$100/month for 1x per week

$150/month for 2x per week

$200/month for up to 4x per week

East HS Pool Fee

$2/practice to the YMCA

Divers pay $2 per practice directly to the YMCA. This can be paid with cash or card at the front desk—just bring your ID and ask for an Arctic Diving punch card (it’s a discounted rate). We’re incredibly grateful to the YMCA for working with us to keep costs low—this allows us to continue offering affordable training without raising prices, we want to see our team grow and be as accessible as possible for the community!

Fill Out the Form Below to Join or Get in Touch!

Interested in joining? Working together? Have a question? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!