Joining a varsity sport at Lake Forest High School is a unique experience. After a rigorous four or more days of trying out and finally hearing that you have made the team is truly a great feeling. Our school’s athletic pledge is “Within Lake Forest Community High School District #115, we believe that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student. Among these activities, athletics is considered to be an integral part of the total education process. The athletic programs should provide experiences which promote the development of positive attitudes and habits in our student-athletes. We consider participation in interscholastic athletics to be a privilege, and while we strive to win as often as we can, we are mindful that how we win or lose tells more about us than the final score.”

After talking to multiple varsity athletes, it is clear that their varsity sport means so much to them and being the team has made a positive impact on their life. Here are some of the things these athletes had to say about what their sport has meant to them:

“It’s a different experience playing with girls in different grades and there’s no better feeling than playing for your school and having your peers cheering you on.” Leland Keller

“Varsity cross country and track to me have meant a family. Together over the two sports it was one big family that was always growing. Once you spend a season on cross country or track you become integrated into the community and it’s hard to leave. The 4 years I spent on both teams taught me what hard work truly was and helped me to achieve goals I never thought I would. It created an environment where I could truly be myself and where people knew me more than anyone else. It created some of my best high school memories and shaped me to be the person I am today.” Courtney Schmidt

“I think lacrosse has taught me a lot about setting a goal as a team and working hard to achieve it. It’s taught me how to work with others and become a better individual and leader as a result of this common goal.” Bobby Winebrenner

“Varsity football has changed my life. I’ve created so many friendships that will last a lifetime and have so many unforgettable memories. I think I’m general, varsity sports teach you work ethic and commitment which will help anyone succeed in life going forward.” Ryan Cekay

“It means that you have this whole other group of people who will be there for you, understand you, and cheer you up as well as the sense of achievement that all the hard work you put in has paid off.” Addie Sidles

“My involvement with varsity tennis has given me the opportunity to play tennis with some of my classmates in addition to my club tennis. As an individual sport, tennis has no team aspect but high school tennis bridges that gap and allows me to do what I love while also representing our school. I hope this helps! Let me know if you need anything else!” William Zordani

“Making the varsity basketball team was a phenomenal accomplishment in my life and is now a treasured memory. The boys on the team work so hard and we spend so many hours with each other year round that it becomes like a brotherhood. Playing in front of a packed student section this year was a really special feeling and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.”
Michael Pasquella

“Poms has given me both a place to dedicate my time and efforts into working towards something that is bigger than me. When everyone on a team cares that much about the same thing it really brings everyone together to create something incredible.” Kellie Jean Camardo