Georgetown has a dominant sailing team, boasting numerous championship wins, and has a strong team of sailors. Senior Maddie Rode will contribute to this talented team this upcoming fall, as she has just recently committed to Georgetown University for sailing.
Rode has been sailing since she was 6 years old. She has sailed for the Lake Forest sailing team, and fell in love with the sport ever since she hoisted the sails for the first time.
Sailing is a unique sport, with only 20 sailors on the Lake Forest sailing team. Her sailing journey all began during a sailing summer camp at her lake house, and ever since, she has been on the water.
Rode has spent most of her high school years sailing; she has missed many weekends for regattas, but her commitment to Georgetown demonstrates how all of her time, effort, and dedication have been worthwhile for Rode.
Sailing is an escape for her; she loves how it doubles as both a high-level and calm atmosphere.
“I still get the competitive nature of a sport, but I also get a unique form of decompression,” Rode said. I love being on the water after a long day of school to relax, but i’m still competing at a competitive level, I get both in different ways.”
LFHS graduate Owen Kohut and Rode sailed together on the Lake Forest Sailing team for 8 years. Kohut also sails as a freshman for the “Hoyas” and is excited to have his old sailing teammate on his team again. Their teammate partnership will now continue into the collegiate years.
“I really enjoyed sailing with Maddie throughout high school, and I am looking forward to her coming to Georgetown,” Kohut said.
From Lake Forest to Washington, D.C., these two have gone through the waters together. Rode could not be more thrilled to have a familiar face in D.C. when she arrives.
Kohut explains how he thinks Rode will not only fit right into the environment of the school, but also add her incredible sailing skills to the team.
“She is not only a great sailor, but she has such a positive personality that our team will truly benefit from,” Kohut said.
Rode has had incredible success as a sailor thus far, helping her team qualify for Nationals each of her high school years, and she is excited to bring that same competitiveness to the Hoyas.
Rode feels that Georgetown has the full package.
“It is a great school for what I want, both academically and for sailing. Their team is super fun, and it delivers everything I would want from a team,” said Rode. “DC is really nice, and there are lots of opportunities and things to do.”
Maddie has impressed many with this commitment to Georgetown and will begin a new chapter next fall in D.C.. Rode is soon to be charting new waters.
