Senior athletes commit

SENIOR SIGNING SEASON

Four senior athletes discuss their college sports commitments HERAN ESSAYAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | MICHELLE CHENG A&E EDITOR Kaitlyn Helfrich Soccer

Claremont McKenna College

Skye Sunderhauf Swim Bucknell University

How did you know Claremont McKenna was the right fit for you? I knew Claremont McKenna was the right school for me after I visited in early March. The common majors and academic climate matched me perfectly as a student, the soccer team was nice and inviting and I could see myself there as soon as I walked on campus.

What challenges did COVID-19 present during recruiting?

COVID-19 gave me some challenges as I was not able to go to showcases and tournaments for a long period of time. However, my club team, Loudoun Soccer, is playing a limited season right now with COVID-19 protocols in place. I am also doing fitness training and weightlifting on the side. Taylor Benedict Rowing

Ohio State University

How did you know Ohio State was the right fit for you?

Ohio State’s coaches and team really stood out to me when looking at schools because of their goals and team community. My past teams have always had strong bonds, and I wanted a team that had the same sense of community.

How are you participating in rowing right now?

Following social distancing guidelines, I have been rowing in singles as a member of the Potomac Boat Club. As winter approaches, I plan to continue training with Potomac Boat Club’s winter program.

How did you know Bucknell was the right fit for you?

I knew Bucknell was the right fit for me during the Zoom call that I was able to participate in with the team. Everyone was super welcoming and nice, and I could see myself fitting in. Right before I committed, I was also able to visit the campus, which I ended up loving, and that confirmed my decision.

What are you looking forward to in being on a college team?

I’m most looking forward to just being part of the team in college. It’ll be different from my club team now, as I’ll be spending so much more time with the college team and living with some of them too. I’m super excited to meet all the swimmers and also compete against

a bunch of other schools, especially those in the Patriot League.

Jake Lynes Baseball

The Catholic University of America

How did you know Catholic was the right fit for you?

It checked every box for me. It was one of the few schools that offered a finance program that I was looking at, and the coaches and baseball program are outstanding.

How do you feel knowing that you have committed?

I feel relieved as it was a very tough recruiting process for me. But I won’t stop here—my best baseball is ahead of me.