THORNTON - Mia Williams didn’t even begin diving until her sophomore year. 

Now, the St. Mary’s Academy senior is a two-time state champion in Class 3A. Title number two was won by the slimmest of margins at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton on Saturday. 

“It was a rough meet, but I fought at the end,” she said. “I’m just glad that it all worked out.”

Her final score of 426 points topped Liviana White’s 425.75, barely. The Roosevelt diver was a worthy foe. 

“I knew Liz Kennealey (Kent Denver), she was number three... I knew she was going to give me a run for my money,” Williams said. “Number two, I’ve never competed against her, but it was a challenge.”

The Kent Denver star tallied 419.10 points for the bronze medal. Marabelle Balliet of Thompson Valley finished fourth with 409.95.

“The whole time the top four girls were within points of each other,” the champion said. “It did come down to the last dive.”

Williams used to be a gymnast, but eventually burned out. The Georgetown University recruit found she had natural ability in diving. In fact, she placed third at state her very first season as a sophomore. She helped lift the Wildcats to a team state championship. Then, her first individual crown racked up points for a team that finished runner-up to Discovery Canyon last year. 

“Last year was more exciting, because it was my PR (personal record) of the season,” she said. 

The senior hopes St. Mary's Academy scores enough points in the swimming finals tonight to earn their second state championship in the sport. She expects Discovery Canyon and Kent Denver to contend, as well.