Senior All-American diver Sherry Zhang needed to be rescued from the pool after hitting her head on the diving board during a 3-meter dive in the Zone C diving meet.

According to a release from SIU Athletics, Zhang sustained a five centimeter long cut on the back of her head and a concussion — ending her SIU diving career.

Zhang is the most decorated diver in SIU history.

She was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference diver, a two-time NCAA All-American and qualified for the NCAA Championship the previous three seasons. Earlier in the Zone C competition she qualified for the NCAA competition in the 1-meter dive with a third-place finish.

“We are so proud of everything that Sherry has brought to the program and all the spotlight that she’s shown on this program, and this one mishap doesn’t alter that one bit,” swimming coach Rick Walker told SIU athletics.

Earlier this season, Zhang swept the MVC Championship in the 1-meter dive and the 3-meter dive for the third straight year. She won the 3-meter dive in all four seasons.

Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected] or at(618)536-3304