Michael Wright entered UT in 2008, having been a member of two National Junior College Championship teams. He competed for Tennessee in 2009–11. In 2010 he competed at the USA Diving Winter Nationals and won the 1-meter springboard title, becoming the first African American ever to win a USA Diving national title. He was featured on the cover of Black Sports: The Magazine, and his historic achievement was honored by a resolution by the Tennessee Senate. A member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, he received his undergraduate degree in art and a graduate degree in sports psychology.
He won the 2011 SEC title on the 1-meter springboard while serving as team captain. He served as volunteer coach of the Diving Team at UT.