Name: Alyssa Sherman
Sport: Women's Lacrosse
Hometown: Belmont, Calif.
High School: Menlo School
Activities/Clubs/Committees: HavOC (Haverford Outdoors Club)
Why did you choose Haverford?
I was first attracted to Haverford because I knew I wanted a small, liberal arts college. Through doing more research, I was intrigued by the Honor Code and being a part of such a supportive and caring community. What really sold Haverford for me was taking an overnight visit my senior year. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what changed for me on that visit, but when I came home, high school friends pointed out that they had never seen me so excited about a school and I realized Haverford was the right fit for me.
What is your favorite team experience?
There are a lot of moments with the team that I will always remember, such as making the Centennial semifinals and going on our spring break trip to Colorado. However, my favorite experience has to be watching Remember The Titans as a team before the Gettysburg game to pump us up. We all got really into it and the next day and shouted lines from the movie during warm up as motivation. Plus, I think having that moment together helped us to another team highlight: beating Gettysburg in overtime.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
Sports have always been a large part of my life and I was not ready to give up my love for being on a team and my desire to compete. Lacrosse also provides a release for me; if I am having a bad day it helps me to be able to work out that frustration on the field.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
Being a student-athlete means having to be very dedicated and having to develop good time management skills. There are always going to be times when you may be tired after class or practice and want to take a nap in your free time, but being a student-athlete means instead being motivated enough to use that time more effectively. For me, it also means that no matter what is going on, on or off the field, I have 27 other girls that are looking out for me and always have my back.
What makes Haverford unique?
The academic environment of Haverford is very unique, created largely by the Honor Code. It is rare to find a school with such a high academic standards that is simultaneously very supportive. Fellow students, professors, and TA's are always willing to help with whatever a student may need and it feels as though they all truly want you to succeed.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
Come to campus for a visit if you can! That was the advice that my high school and current Haverford teammate Elyse Adler '16 gave me during the summer going into my senior year and she could not have been more right. Schools can all start to look really similar on paper and blend together in your mind. Coming for a visit can give you a better feel for school and the kinds of people who will shape your college experience.
What are your thoughts on the Honor Code?
I think the Honor Code speaks mostly about the types of students that make up the Haverford community. Due to the existence of the Honor Code, most students who come are the type of people who would act in accordance with the Honor Code whether it existed or not.