Submitted Photo From left, Ellie Yeager, Bailey Williams, Laney Gatto and Izzy Heacox will represent Warren on Friday at the District 10 2A Diving Championships at McDowell Intermediate High School.

The graduation of Warren’s two-time District 10 Class 2A diving champion Katie Madigan leaves a huge opportunity. Four Lady Dragons — juniors Izzy Heacox and Laney Gatto, sophomore Ellie Yeager and freshman Bailey Williams — have qualified for the chance to become D-10’s new No. 1 on Friday at McDowell Intermediate High School.

“First and foremost, the four girls we have this year put forth an enormous amount of work,” said Warren diving coach Brandon Gregg. “As of the beginning of February, every member of the Dragons’ girls dive team has qualified for districts. Every practice, no matter if it’s 5:45 a.m. or 7 p.m., these young ladies show up to work. With both coaches (Gregg and Megan Yeager) being first-year diving coaches, we are all learning and growing every practice. On Friday, these young ladies are going to put on a show with hopes of securing a spot at the state championships (at Bucknell University in Lewisburg) in March.

“Izzy Heacox is our veteran diver this year,” said Gregg of last week’s McDowell Invitational diving champion, edging Gatto. “She is an incredible athlete, but doesn’t stop there. With the rest of the team being brand new to the sport, she is a peer coach and mentor to the others. Izzy constantly pushes herself and the others to try new dives and grow every day.

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“Laney Gatto is no stranger to aerial sports, but in a different environment,” said Gregg. “Laney comes from a gymnastics background, and it shows with her ability to translate those skills into diving almost effortlessly. Laney has progressed so well this year that she and Izzy constantly fight for the number-one finish week to week.

“Ellie Yeager is a competitor from diving, gymnastics, soccer, to softball; she puts it all on the line every practice,” said Gregg. “Ellie has incredible speed in the air that will carry her far in this sport. She is the type of young athlete that when you ask for 100 percent, she delivers 110 percent.

“Bailey Williams is our youngest diver and brings a lighthearted, jovial attitude to the team that is contagious. Bailey comes from a snowboarding background and is very comfortable with being upside-down and twisting. Bailey has an aerial awareness that will carry her far in this sport.”

The girls’ D-10 2A and 3A competitions are both on Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a six-dive format.