Bonney Lake High’s Kelsi Potterf was all smiles as she signed a letter of intent to dive with the University of Idaho Vandals April 19.

After looking at University of Nevada-Las Vegas and schools in North Carolina, New Mexico and California, the Panther senior picked the Moscow, Idaho-based school for its programs and proximity to home.

“They really have what I’m looking for academically,” said Potterf, who intends to study wildlife resources and environmental conservation. She will receive both an academic and athletic scholarship.

A four-year letter winner, Potterf qualified for the district diving meet each year and placed 12th in state her sophomore year, sixth her junior year and was fourth in state in the fall.

She also served as team captain this season.

After a hiatus, the Vandals brought back their diving program in 2008-09.

“It’s a young program with really good coaches,” Potterf said.

Potterf is used to young programs. Bonney Lake High opened its doors in 2005 and she is the second diver in the past few years to move on to the collegiate level. Kristin Scribner is a sophomore for the Pepperdine University Waves.

Bonney Lake coach Ruth Conrad said Potterf has been supportive of all the swimmers and divers.

“She cheered on the swimmers as well as swam in some races for me,” Conrad said. “She would swim in the relays so that three other girls could be in the meet.”

Conrad said she will miss Potterf’s hard-work ethic, smile, helpfulness and spirit. She would dress in full Panther colors – teal, white, black and silver – on competition days.