In 2024, the National Sports Center wrote, “Building relationships is at the core of who we are as humans and kids need to be exposed to opportunities to do so," opportunities like sports teams. "The ability to collaborate, communicate, and empathize with others eventually becomes second nature and can be applied to academic settings, workplaces, and social interactions,” so the skills kids learn on the field translate into success in other realms. In the US, 54.7 percent of high school students participate in a sport, but what happens after high school? In this article, we will learn about four of the five seniors from the class of 2025 who are taking their sports career past high school (excluding Brooke Brown, who is also continuing her sport into college but is still undecided about where). These Rowland Hall students will each be attending a different college with their sport and sharing what they look most forward to going into college. Here are some details about four of our seniors moving to the next level:

Mackenzie White 

College: Carleton College

Sport: Soccer 

Division: D3

Started sport: Age 4

Major: Environmental Studies or Biology (undecided)

Most looking forward to: “I am most excited to continue to play the sport I love at a high level with an incredibly supportive and competitive team.” 

“Soccer has been such an outlet for me when I am at my lowest. It has taught me that rather than dwell on something, go outside for a run, or train, because that is the healthiest way to cope.”

Maya Eisner 

College: Harvard University 

Sport: Alpine Skiing

Division: NCAA D1

Started sport: Age 2

Major: Environmental Engineering

Most looking forward to: “I'm most looking forward to being in an environment that challenges me and makes me excited about learning.”

“The most valuable thing I've gained from sports is a sense of tenacity and the ability to do difficult things.”

Carolina Coracan

College: Grinnell College 

Sport: Cross Country and Track & Field

Division: D3

Started sport: Track at age 14 and cross country at age 11

Major: Undecided

Most looking forward to: “I'm looking forward to the social aspect of running and the opportunity to improve. Cross country season starts before the fall semester does, so it will be really nice to have established friends before school even starts. I am also so excited to be surrounded by teammates that share my passion for running and who will be able to push me to new PRs.”

“Participating in sports gives me drive. There is nothing more fulfilling than putting in hours of work and seeing it pay off on race day. Running keeps me motivated in all aspects of my life. Beyond that, merely being a part of a team, getting outside, and exercising every day gives my life balance and fulfillment.”

Karsten Schillinger 

College: Dartmouth

Sport: Ski Racing

Division: D1

Started sport: Age 7

Major: Economics

Most looking forward to: “I’m most looking forward to moving fully into the carnival and NorAm circuits, and having a bit of a less heavy racing season.”

“The most valuable thing I’ve gained from sports is a community that I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

 

Although they are moving on, they will still always be cherished for their brilliant contributions to each of their sports teams. Rowland Hall will miss all these seniors in our community, but it is time for the next chapter in their lives. We couldn't be more proud of all our seniors!