12 Hockaday students commit to playing sports in college

Twelve students at The Hockaday School will play sports in college.

In the past five years, 48 students from the school have decided to continue with athletics after graduating.

“There are many responsibilities that come with representing your school and community and as a successful student-athlete committed to collegiate sports, you much always be aware of the effect your attitude and behavior have on your peers,” Deb Surgi, the director of athletics, said in a press release.

Here are the 12 students who have committed, as well as comments from their Hockaday coaches.

Brooke Adams will swim at the University of Texas. She has been on Hockaday’s varsity team for four years.

“Brooke has been a star swimmer for Hockaday, and we expect to see her reach her swimming potential for UT,” said swimming coach Bobby Patten.

Audrey Gass will play volleyball at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where she plans to study environmental studies and biology. In her senior season, she set the record for assists in a season, assists in a match and aces in a match.

“She is both a vocal and physical leader on the court and puts in the time needed to perfect her craft as a student-athlete and a volleyball player,” said coach Andy Gass.

Photo courtesy of The Hockaday School via Facebook.

Sydney Eyestone decided to play volleyball at Williams College. In four years on Hockaday’s varsity team, she accumulated 692 kills, 508 digs, 140 aces and 94 blocks.

“Her attitude and work ethic on and off the court helped elevate the program towards its place at the top,” said coach Andy Gass.

Landry Grover will play lacrosse at the University of Denver. She has been on Hockaday’s varsity team for four years and was a member of the state championship team in 2021.

“Landry’s athletic and tenacious play on the field makes her one of the strongest players in Texas,” said coach Molly Ford Hutchinson.

Anna Gum, another lacrosse player, will attend Hamilton College.

“Anna is feisty and fierce. She never backs down from a challenge and always has a workhorse mentality,” said coach Molly Ford Hutchinson.

Photo courtesy of The Hockaday School Facebook.

Julia Haetzel will play golf at Washington and Lee University. Haetzel wants to study math and business with a minor in data science. She was Hockaday’s MVP as a sophomore and junior.

“Julia has been able to maintain her personal goals for improvement through countless hours of practice in a very individual sport, while continuing to encourage her teammates to enjoy the game,” said coach Rodney Skaife.

Minje Kwun will play lacrosse at Dartmouth and plans to major in engineering sciences. In 2021, she was named a USA Lacrosse All-American, Hockaday’s MVP, a Texas D1 All-State and All-SPC.

“She leads by example on and off the field. She exudes passion for the game and is the ultimate cheerleader for her teammates,” said coach Molly Ford Hutchinson.

Photo courtesy of The Hockaday School Facebook.

Julia Luo will swim at the University of Chicago. She qualified for Junior Nationals and was named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American Team in 2021.

“Julia is a dedicated student-athlete whose determination and focus have paid off in the pool and more importantly the classroom,” said coach Bobby Patten.

Leena Mehendale, who is a finalist for the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award, will play soccer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Leena’s enthusiasm, desire and dedication to the team are unquestionable and inspirational to all her teammates,” said coach Rodney Skaife.

Jordan Stock will attend Stanford University as a lightweight rower. She was named Hockaday’s Rowing MVP the past two years and placed second at the US Rowing Summer Nationals in the U19 Double.

“Jordan Stock represents the best of what we hope takes place on the water with Hockaday Rowing,” said coach Will Forteith.

Olivia Weeldreyer will row at Cornell University. She placed first in the women’s novice 4x in 2019 and second in the 2x women’s Youth Texas Rowing Championships in 2021.

Sarah Youngberg will play tennis at Wesleyan University, and she wants to study economics. She has won the All-North SPC Award and the USTA Nancy Jeffett Sportsmanship Award.