The Lake Forest Girl’s sailing team  is ranked top in the the midwest. The team, which consists of four sailors, was one of five teams in the country to compete in two national events in 2022.

Junior Mary Carter and freshman Maddie Rode placed fourth on day one of the MISAA Women’s Championship on Sept. 24-25. In the other boat junior Taylor Rode and senior Josie Janowicz faced shifty wind conditions and fierce competition, but also worked their way to a fourth place finish on the first day. 

“We were super excited because we had worked so hard. It gave us a lot of confidence for day two,” said Taylor Rode.

On the second day of competition, with weather conditions still not in their favor, Carter and Maddie Rode placed third in their race. Janowicz and Taylor Rode placed fifth. The team successfully qualified for Women’s Nationals in October.  

Taylor Rode said the bond that the team shares is one of the reasons for their success. 

 “The four of us all motivate each other. We love having fun, and we always hype each other up,” she said. “I think our friendship translates into our performance on the water.”

Carter agrees, saying “We’re all best friends, basically like a family by the end of the season. The sailors are like nobody I’ve ever met before, everyone is so genuine and nice to each other. We all have each other’s backs on and off of the water.”

Being the only girls in the high school program, they find themselves in competition with the boys on their team. That competition strengthens their performance and their friendship, Carter said.

“I feel like [the boy’s team] holds me to a higher standard because they keep me on my toes, and definitely always having to live up to their standards keeps me going,” she said.

Even with the competition between the two teams, they still support each other. In the past regatta, teammate junior Charlie Gish helped with coaching the girls. 

“It’s super nice to have someone coaching us who really understands what goes through a sailor’s mind during and after a race,” said Carter. “He knows what I want to hear and keeps us having fun and staying calm.”

Despite their national success, the team does not often receive recognition from the student body. 

“I think we could use a little more recognition. Sailing is so unique that I feel like a lot of people can’t relate to it, but it’s really cool and such a fun sport. It’s a different kind of competition, but it takes a lot of work,” said Taylor Rode.

Although they believe there is more recognition due, the girls have been in the Lake Forest sailing program for multiple years and have nothing but positive words to say about their time on the team.

“Being on the sailing team has pretty much changed my life. I think everyone needs to try it,” said Carter. “The dynamic is amazing and you learn so much on and off the water. The people you’ll meet are incredible.”