This year will mark the last seasons of formal competition for many Germantown Academy student athletes. However, some select seniors will go on to play their respective sport at a higher level: college.
There are many factors that influence an athlete’s decision regarding which university they will attend to continue their athletic career. These may include location, academics and balance, which were especially important components in Lucas Albert 26’s selection of Lafayette University.
“The main factors I considered when choosing a school were being close to home and finding a good academic school,” Albert said. “I wanted to find somewhere I could further my education and also thrive at the next level in college.”
Captain Xavier Stearn ‘26’s decision to commit to Rutgers football was similarly driven by the school’s strong curriculum.
“When choosing a school, I wanted a competitive football team along with good academic programs,” Stearn said.
Stearn also looks to compete at a higher level and to shoulder the pressure that comes with being a college athlete.
“I like the expectations that come with being a recruited athlete because people expect you to perform well on and off the fields and when it comes to college,” Stearn said. “I’m most looking forward to competing on a new team and creating new connections with new people.”
Other recruits were more focused on finding a school that could push them to excel in their sport. For baseball captain Sean McGettigan ‘26, who has committed to Monmouth University, the priority was finding a strong program that gave him opportunities to play.
“I wanted to find a good Division 1 school where I could get on the field early and prove myself as a freshman,” McGettigan said. “People assume that because I’m playing Division 1 baseball, I’ll dominate every day, but baseball really isn’t a sport you can do that in, especially with how hard it is mentally. But I’m ready to take those expectations head on.”
Indeed, these high expectations are an essential component of recruited athletes, allowing them to experience pressure under high-stakes situations while pushing them to thrive. Along with the competitive nature of college sports, other athletes are looking forward to new opportunities and experiences at their selected school.
For swim team captain Camryn Jones ‘26, this particular aspect of the recruitment process was exciting for her. Committed to Rice University, she has expressed her enthusiasm for the possibilities in these next steps of her athletic career.
“I’m really excited to meet new people, go to a new area that I’ve never visited, and explore that side of the USA,” swimmer Camryn Jones ‘26 said. “Being able to compete at the higher level with people who want to push themselves was a big thing for me, and I’m just excited to be surrounded by like-minded people.”
Overall, as these athletes prepare for their final high school seasons, they are working to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. With college opportunities already secured, this season is about growth, consistency, and leaving a lasting mark on their teams.