Serpico, who hails from Moorsetown, N.J., said that her diving career evolved from a young love of gymnastics. Serpico began diving on a summer club team when she was nine years old.
"It was really a transition from gymnastics," she said. "I did summer club diving from ages nine to 15, when I moved up to the high school varsity level."
In high school, Serpico was a four-year letterwinner in diving. She was named second-team All-State in New Jersey, and was a three-time All American. She was runner-up in last year's New Jersey state diving championship, finishing 58 points behind three-time state champion Sarah Andrekovich, who now dives for the University of Virginia.
Serpico proved herself as one of the top divers for Dartmouth in her first collegiate meet. She placed second in the one-meter event and fifth in the three-meter in a tri-meet against Cornell and Harvard.
She has only improved her scores and standings as the season has progressed. Against Colgate University, Serpico won first place in both the one- and three-meter dives. She swept first place in both events against Brown the following weekend.
"I think what makes Erica so successful with diving is that she works hard, is dedicated and doesn't allow competition to phase her," Chris Plante '12, a diver for the men's team, said.
Plante said that Serpico has proven herself a model for other divers through her poise on the board, as mental toughness is an important factor for success in diving.
"She is really consistent and composed during meets, which helps to set her apart," he said.
Serpico said she has a passion for diving. She has been able to excel as a result of her constant effort and focus during practice.
"I love to dive, and I am constantly working to improve," she said.
She explained that the biggest difference between high school and college diving is the addition of the three-meter board. Serpico said she prefers diving from the three-meter, because she finds it more challenging.
"I can do harder dives from the three-meter," she said. "It keeps things exciting."
Serpico said the swimming and diving team has been an integral part of her Dartmouth experience. She said the team works as one another's support group, and that the upperclassmen have helped her to adjust to life at the College.
"The diving team is really close," she said. "We're like a family. We support each other in and outside of meets, and of course we always cheer each other on."
Though Serpico has not yet decided on a major, she has expressed an interest in mathematics. During her first year at Dartmouth, Serpico said she has worked hard to adjust to college life.
"Participating in NCAA sports takes up a lot of time," she said. "I love the experience and the sport itself, but it definitely makes other aspects of life at college challenging."
Serpico said she has enjoyed her time at Dartmouth and is really excited about spending the next four years in Hanover. She said she also hopes to study abroad in Tokyo to further her studies in Japanese.
"I'm thrilled to be here," she said. "Dartmouth has given me such great opportunities so far, and I'm so excited for what's to come."
