Chapin sports fans will have even more to cheer about next fall as three talented seniors head to college. These outstanding student-athletes are jumping off from their Chapin successes to play Division I sports at their respective universities.
A volleyball middle blocker at Chapin, Courtney Bowen is ecstatic to be heading out west to join the country’s number one college volleyball team. “Stanford’s team is incredible and I’m excited to work with a team that’s so phenomenal,” Courtney said of her plans to play volleyball for the highly competitive Bay Area school.
Courtney did not originally plan to play a sport in college and had been accepted as a student only after applying early to Stanford. Academics have always come first, she said. When Stanford’s coach contacted her, Courtney decided to step up to the net once more. “I’m humbled; it’s exciting,” she said.
Courtney is fascinated by the field of trauma surgery and would like to become a surgeon, she said. With several doctors in her family, she feels she knows what to expect from the field. Regarding her time at Chapin, Courtney said, “Chapin has taught me that I’m capable of more than I think I am.”
While Courtney was surprised by the opportunity to play volleyball in college, it has always been a goal for right-side hitter Mariana Sullivan. “I’ve been playing since 8th grade,” she said. “I always knew that I wanted to continue playing.” Competing at the varsity level was especially appealing to Mariana, who enjoys the commitment and camaraderie.
“It’s a lot of work, but I can’t let go of the sport,” she said.
After Mariana was accepted to Georgetown, she contacted the team’s coach to express her interest in playing volleyball for the university. Once told that there were openings on the team, Mariana jumped at the chance to try out.
Mariana said that the support and encouragement of her teammates, as well as that of Chapin’s athletics department, were instrumental in giving her the confidence to continue at the college level.
Runner Jamie Grimstad also voiced affection for her four years spent as a Chapin athlete. Jamie had recently moved from Nashville when she tried out for Chapin’s cross-country team in Class 9. “I have to hand it to Chapin for really birthing my love for this sport,” she said. Although she had only a slight interest in running before high school, Jamie’s race times improved so rapidly at Chapin, she began to see that she might have a future in competitive racing.
Last year, Jamie’s hard work paid off when Columbia University’s head cross-country coach called to offer her a spot on their team. “College running is going to take everything to a completely different level, a thought that brings me both fear and excitement,” Jamie said. While academics will be her priority—she’s interested in both business and journalism—Jamie is also excited to focus on her running career.
“I believe very strongly that I have not even touched the potential I have in this sport,” she said.
Director of Athletics Michelle Caywood voiced her admiration for the hard work and incredible dedication of these three athletes. Two of them played multiple sports, Ms. Caywood said, and yet, astonishingly, they were able to earn places on Division I teams.
“We’re so proud of them and what they’ve accomplished here at Chapin,” Ms. Caywood said. “And we’ll continue to cheer them on through their college sports careers.”
Congratulations to Courtney, Mariana and Jamie, and to all members of the Class of 2015!