March 21, 2006
ATHENS, Ga. - Junior Amanda Miller earned the first All-America crown of her career Saturday night at the NCAA Championships, leaping into the spotlight left for her by senior Carrie McCambridge.
Miller's fifth-place finish (296.90 points) was a fitting end to a weekend, which began on a sour note. Thursday, Miller finished towards the bottom end of the 1-meter standings due to a balk, but came back Friday to place 11th off the 3-meter to garner the first honorable mention All-America citation of her career.
The Centerville, Va. native's showing Saturday night proved that Miller is not only a legitmate national title contender, but as someone who can lead the Purdue diving program in McCambridge's abscense.
"What a big step for her career and what a way to end the meet," said head coach Cathy Wright-Eger. "She was tough tonight. She did a fantastic job and we're all very proud of her."
McCambridge, who scored off all three boards for a second-straight year, just missed reaching the finals with a ninth-place score of 267.95. Taryn Ignacio of Kentucky won the national championship with 335.20 points.
As a team, the Boilermakers scored 45 points giving them 22nd place.