GAYATHRI KRISHNAN — COLUMBIA

Senior Gayathri Krishnan found her love for tennis at the age of five after watching the sport on television with her parents. From her experience, she felt that the beginning and the end of the recruitment process was the most difficult. “I think the first impression is so important to many colleges the first time they watch you play or the first time you’re on the phone with them, it’s really important that you do well so that they can think highly of you from the start,” Krishnan said. Choosing from offers was also challenging, but Krishnan decided on Colombia University because the coaches seemed to care more about helping her improve rather than her stats.

ANGELA KEOMAHAVONG — WILSON

Senior Angela Keomahavong played field hockey for the first time in eighth grade but fell in love with the sport in her freshman year. As an athlete and a working student, she struggled to find time to balance her other priorities during the recruitment process. Keomahavong received 12 offers, many of which were D1. Ultimately, she committed to Wilson College because of their team’s winning streak in field hockey tournaments and conference games, as well as the long-term financial benefits. “I was shy to come out that I did commit and I didn’t want to brag, but I was also proud of myself that I made a big jump into the future,” Keomahavong said.