Senior Sadie Ith (she/her) will continue her athletic career at Santa Clara University, competing D1 in women’s rowing. Before rowing, she played soccer for around 10 years, but knee injuries and surgeries prevented her from continuing in contact sports. She said rowing gave her an opportunity to stay involved in athletics in a strong community.
“Everyone is really committed to the sport,” Ith said. “I’ve never seen a sport with such a strong community.”
As a member of IHS crew, Ith said one of the most rewarding aspects about high school rowing is competing as a public school in a sport largely dominated by private schools and club programs. One of her favorite memories is from the 2024 Head of the Lake race, where their team initially thought they had lost against a top team.
“In this type of race, you can’t see where you’re placing until you read the results because it’s a staggered start,” Ith said. “We got to the end and we didn’t pass them, so we felt like we lost, and they were also celebrating in front of us. Then we got back to shore and found that we won.”
Committed to the University of Massachusetts Boston for lacrosse is senior Ava Lee (she/her), who started playing in fourth grade after a friend suggested they try it out together. Lee continued on to play throughout her high school career. Because IHS doesn’t have its own high school girls lacrosse team, Lee plays for the combined Northshore program alongside athletes from Bothell and North Creek. She has also played on the club team Arc Lacrosse since her freshman year. Lee said that the environment of both teams were one of her favorite parts of her experience.
“All the friends that I’ve made on that team and practices definitely were my favorite memories overall,” Lee said. “I get to see all these girls; I get to catch up with them.”
Lee said the recruiting process was stressful, especially when comparing herself to other athletes’ recruiting processes on social media. She also said the overall process required a lot of communication.
“It takes a lot of patience and being proactive in that you’re sending out emails, you’re making game film, you’re updating your recruiting profile,” Lee said.
After committing to UMass Boston, Lee said that she felt confident in her decision. The balance between academics, location and athletics especially appealed to her.
Ith said she never thought that she could participate in both rowing and the college experience until she talked to the coach at Santa Clara. After committing, she said she knew she also made the right decision.
“I went on a visit there, and I just fell in love. I knew it was the right place for me,” Ith said. “I would have a life outside of rowing, but also be able to compete at the D1 level.”
Lee is looking ahead to college and said she is excited to continue challenging herself in lacrosse at the D3 level. One of her goals is to maintain a good balance between athletics and academics. Lee is confident in the strong community surrounding her at UMass. Overall, Lee said it’s important to enjoy the sport you’re committing to.
“Do it for the love of this sport, not just because that’s what everyone else is doing,” Lee said. “Be patient with yourself. It takes time, and everyone’s recruiting journey is different.”
