Name: Sophie Drew
Sports: cross country, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field
Hometown: Concord, Mass.
High School: Concord Academy
Activities/Clubs/Committees: ETHOS Food Initiative, Haverfarm
Why did you choose Haverford?
I was drawn to Haverford's small size, friendly community, and expectation that students challenge themselves with academics and extracurriculars they enjoy. I wanted a school where I could be both a serious student among inspiring peers and a serious athlete among inspiring teammates. During my overnight visit I met the team and got a taste of what it's like to be a student here, and it felt right.
What is your favorite team experience?
That's a tough one. Strong performances at big meets are exciting, of course, but many of my favorite memories have come out of the time we spend together every day. The team is a group of incredible women, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it, whether we're pounding out intervals on the nature trail or lingering over empty ice cream bowls after dinner.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
I don't remember making a conscious decision about it. My parents were both athletes in college, and loved it, and once I started running seriously I saw no reason to stop. I love to run, I love being on a team, and I couldn't imagine not having those things as part of my college experience. Joining the "Bees" is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
Being a student-athlete is a big responsibility. It can be difficult to balance schoolwork, training, races, and rest, but when it goes right, everything comes together beautifully. Practice gives me a few hours every day to decompress and process what I learned in class, leaving me mentally refreshed and excited to tackle my work that evening.
What makes Haverford unique?
So many factors come together to make Haverford the place that it is. The professors are engaging, the students are thoughtful, the campus is beautiful, and an adorable cat wanders the library. We talk a lot about "trust, concern, and respect" here, and for the most part it's really true. People in the community, whether they're students or faculty or staff, go through their days with a consciousness of others that is hard to find elsewhere.
What advice would you give a high school student considering Haverford?
Reach out to alums, current students, and coaches, but most of all, come visit! Almost everyone I've talked to says that their campus visit was the deciding factor for them. After college tour number 30, the info sessions and pamphlets all start to blend together. Spending a day here, or even better, doing an overnight visit, will help you decide if Haverford is the place where you want to spend the next four years of your life.