Kongzheng “KZ” Li continues the rich tradition of exceptional coaching as the new Head Coach of the Mission Viejo Nadadores Dive Team. Head Coach, Kim Berbari, turned over the reighs to KZ in October as she and husband Luis await the arrival of the first child in January. On her decision to find a new head coach for the Nadadores Dive Team, Berbari said, “KZ will be excellent for the program and has all the ability and experience to bring the Nadadores back to the National Champions they once were.”

Li brings 19 years of coaching experience to the Mission Viejo Dive Team, including head coaching positions at George Washington University, Texas Aquatics, Team Orlando Diving, Minnesota Diving Club, University of Minnesota, and most recently head coach at Florida International University in Miami. Li’s coaching experience encompasses Junior, Senior, Collegiate, and Olympic diving and his wealth of knowledge and experience will enhance the rich tradition and strong competitive nature of the Mission Viejo Dive program. Ken Kolar, dive parent and Dive Team Board Member said, “Every aspect of our program will benefit from KZ’s competitive and coaching career, form our ‘Bitty Bouncers’ learn-to-dive group, to our National Team members. He has a great deal to offer our Club.”

Li has a very distinguished diving career as a coach and athlete. He has produced 17 US Junior National Champions and 10 US Senior National Champions. He has served more than 20 times as a US Diving National Team Coach and Team Leader for international competitions, which include the 1996 Olympic Games, World Championships (1998 & 2001), World Cup (1993, 1995 & 1997), 1995 Pan American Games, and the FINA Diving Grand Prix in Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States. Li is s 3-time US Diving National Gold Medalist as well as a 12-time Chinese National Champion and a 3-time member of the Chinese Olympic Team. Li was the Bronze Medalist at the 1984 Olympic Games and has been a Gold Medalist more than 30 times at other international competitions.

Janet Ely Lagourgue, two-time Olympian, 1975 World Champion, and former Mission Viejo Diving Head Coach continues to lend her expertise by helping to coach the Nadadores National Team, along with new Head Coach Li and assistant coach Brian Pritt. When told of Li’s interest in moving to California to coach the Nadadores divers, Lagourgue commented, “I certainly couldn’t think of a better candidate for this position. The Nadadores are very fortunate that he was ready and available at the time of the job opening. The coaching staff and divers are excited to put into practice his unique coaching techniques.”

Li will lead the Mission Viejo Team as the divers begin their season with a competition this month hosted by McCormick Divers in Long Beach. During the year, the Team (Novice, Junior, Senior, and Masters divers) will compete at invitational and qualifying meets at local pools as well as traveling to such places as Woodlands Texas, Orlando Florida, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, and the U.S.A. Junior and Senior National Championships in Huntersville North Carolina.

The Nadadores Dive Team works out at the Mission Viejo Aquatics Center on Marguerite Parkway and offers programs for beginning divers to Olympic level divers. The facility consists of two 3-meter and two 1-meter springboards, along with 5, 7, and 10 meter platforms. Trampolines and dry boards round out the training equipment available to enhance the training offered to the team members. Asked what his goals are for the Nadadores Divers, Li stated, “I want to maintain the Club’s rich tradition and continue to build the program to a national championship level.” For more information on the Nadadores Dive Team, phone (949) 380-2538 or visit mvndive.com.