All around the world, senior recruits are finishing up their last high school season and committing to the college of their choice. While seeing offers being granted may seem exciting, the recruitment process isn’t always easy. 

Many recruits finalize their decision based on Division I or Division II colleges. Larger schools compete at Division I and Division II levels, while smaller schools typically compete at the Division III level. Division II schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, which can often turn away interest from recruits. Even so, with whichever decision they may choose, these recruits are given an opportunity to excel in their athletic craft. 

Senior MJ Surtin 

Senior MJ Surtin received offers from Bellarmine University, Earlham University and Centre College. When finalizing her decision between the three, Surtin chose Centre College to continue playing field hockey after high school. 

“I started playing [field hockey] when I was 12 and in the sixth grade. [I wanted to play] because my friends were playing, [so I started as a] field player. I didn’t become a goalie until the middle of eighth grade,” Surtin said. 

During Surtin’s freshman year, she received 16 gold medals from playing on her off-season team, AIM. She achieved second team all-conference during her sophomore year, first team all-conference in her junior year, and all team conference freshman year plaques, a recognition for student-athletes who are chosen as the top athlete of their team. She also received the Longhorn of the Season award during her junior year. 

“I got most aggressive [in] my freshman year. As a goalie, it’s harder to let go of things and I really can’t blame myself when I let in a goal. I always internalize when I do not meet my personal goals, especially when it’s about field hockey. [Now], I look back on my awards, and I think a part of me [isn’t] proud, [but] then a part of me is like, ‘You won that moment.’ Field hockey is different every year, and I got better but it gets hard,” Surtin said. 

Being goalie fits Surtin’s personality because of her dominant character. 

“At first, they needed a goalie not because I had skill [but] because I was the worst field player they could find. It was really scary; there were balls flying at my face, neck, hands and obviously my feet, but once I got the hang of it, it became more fun,” Surtin said. “It’s an assertive position and very exhilarating. I can be rough with and yell at players without getting in trouble. Overall, I have more say on the field than a lot of the other players which I personally love as  I’m very loud and [have] a big personality when I get on the field.”

Surtin’s biggest supporter was her mom, who willingly paid for all equipment and attended every game of hers. 

“My mom really supported me, [and] I’m very incredibly thankful for [her]. She is my No. 1 supporter — always been there, always will be there. [She’s] always very vocal on the sidelines [and] willing to pay for anything and everything to get me to the top or where I need to be,” Surtin said. “She’s definitely my biggest cheerleader.” 

After mulling over what school would best fit her, Surtin chose Centre College, a Division III liberal arts college located in Danville, Ky. to continue her field hockey career. 

“I signed to Centre because it’s like a family there. It’s very historic and small. I love that about Danville; I can still have that big school experience on the weekends going to games, but I get that small student to teacher ratio [and] the small town vibe,” Surtin said. 

Surtin aspires to play field hockey in the Olympics, but believes her true happiness lies within coaching.  

“My dream is to go to the Olympics, but realistically, I don’t know if that’s gonna happen. As a goalie, it’s harder to be recruited because not a lot of schools prioritize it. So anywhere from a D3 to a D1 college, I wouldn’t mind goalie coaching,”  Surtin said. “Right now, I coach many goalies at AIM and at West from ages eight to 14. I love coaching.”

With everything field hockey has offered to Surtin, how much the sport became a significant part of her life sticks with her the most. 

“[Field hockey] has become something that’s hard to live without. It’s a part of my personality, my daily routine — keeping up with physical appearance [by] staying healthy and fit to be my best and play my best. It’s definitely changed my whole lifestyle and it’s something that is ingrained in me now,” Surtin said. “I can’t live without it at all.” 

Senior Rachel Livak 

Senior Rachel Livak started playing softball when she was five years old. During her freshman year, she decided to join the lacrosse team. Since then, her love for the sport has never stopped growing. 

“[I love] my teammates, coaches [and] the game in general; I find it really cool. Lacrosse gave me something new to compare to what I’ve done my whole life which is softball, especially after making varsity [in lacrosse] my freshman year,” Livak said. 

Over the course of the three years Livak has been playing lacrosse, she’s gotten first team all conference, as well as first team all state her sophomore and junior years. 

“All I’ve ever done was really play softball, so lacrosse gave me a different thing to do. It gave me a different physical and mental part of [playing a sport]. I wouldn’t say I love one more over the other, I was just given better opportunities in lacrosse than softball,” Livak said. 

Every year, Livak and her teammates travel to Louisville, Ky. for tournaments. There, they get to experience team bonding.

“[Going to] Louisville [is an] amazing team bonding experience. We always go on an outing. We’ve gone to the Kentucky Derby track and the Louisville Slugger Museum. We go somewhere every year; it’s really cool,” Livak said. 

She received offers from Flagler University and Davenport University. With her choices, Livak chose Davenport University, a Division II university located in Grand Rapids, Mich. to continue her lacrosse career. 

“[Davenport] was one of the few schools that gave me an offer [very] late [when] I was trying to decide between softball and lacrosse for college. Because I decided so late, there weren’t a whole lot [of] options,” Livak said. “[But] I love the coaches, the school and the campus [at Davenport]. It’s a very athletic school, which really fits me and what I want to do in the future.” 

Though Livak doesn’t plan on going pro in lacrosse due to its limited opportunity — lacrosse has yet to make it into the Olympic games. While lacrosse is mainly a sport played in North America, it still hasn’t been recognized or gained enough popularity as other sports. However, she plans to get a degree in sports management and coaching as an ode to the coaches who coached her.

“I’ll definitely remember the coaches that have helped me since the very beginning. They’ve been really supportive,” Livak said.

Senior Maddi Lang 

Senior Maddi Lang has been swimming competitively since the third grade. Her father was a swimmer in high school, and he taught her how to swim as well. At the age of nine, Lang’s mom decided to put her on a summer league team so she could learn and compete more than what her father had been teaching her.  

“I wasn’t good at any land sports, so water was the next best thing. It really [has] been an outlet for me to get away from everything. [It’s] where I’ve met some of my closest friends and made the closest connections,” Lang said. 

As an inspiration, Lang cites competitive swimmer and Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky. 

“She’s just an amazing distance swimmer and a role model with the things she does for the swimming world. She has a lot of good morals and very good sportsmanship that really influences how I like [to] treat my teammates,” Lang said. “She’s a very big name in [the] swimming world.” 

During Lang’s sophomore year, she placed fifth at state in the 200 and 500 freestyle. During her junior year, the girls swim and dive team placed first at state. 

“Last year at the Kirkwood Invitational, I got my best time in my 500. It wasn’t a competitive heat, I was just saying ‘Okay, I want to beat this girl from the Kirkwood team and I’m just going to  swim it.’ I wasn’t really thinking [but] then I dropped 10 seconds and went my best time of a 515,” Lang said. 

Throughout Lang’s swimming journey, her parents were her biggest supporters as far as providing her with everything she needed to succeed. With her dad being the one to teach her to swim, Lang and her father became closer throughout her journey.  

“[My parents] supported me through everything, through the ups and downs, the bad races, the good races [and] waking up at 4 a.m. to take me to morning practice. I appreciate them for everything. I’m really thankful for [my dad]. Me and [him] were really close and this was another thing that brought us together. He has been my biggest supporter through everything,” Lang said. 

Lang received offers from Valparaiso University, University of Lynchburg and William Jewell College. She decided to attend William Jewell College, a Division II liberal arts college located in Liberty, Mo. 

“One of the coaches [at William Jewell] was actually one of my old coaches for club [swim and dive]. I love the way he coaches. The head coach seems really funny; we clicked really well. They seemed like a really nice team and [the] campus was gorgeous. I felt I would be a good fit there,” Lang said. 

With all the accomplishments the swim and dive team has collectively achieved, Lang’s best memory will be the friendships she created with the girls along the ride.  

“Everyone knew how to support me in the right way that I needed [and] gave me [space], but if I wanted their support, they stood behind me and cheered me [on],” Lang said. “My team [at] West is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced.” 

Senior Mason Beno 

Senior Mason Beno has been playing baseball since he was four years old. Freshman year, he joined the baseball team here at West, making the varsity team. 

“[My dad] played [baseball] when he grew up and always wanted me to play. He always worked with me in the cages and pushed me to be better.” Beno said. 

Beno has been playing shortstop and pitcher throughout his seasons. During Beno’s junior year, he won Pitcher of the Year due to his talent on the field. 

“The hardest part is trying to find consistency. It’s a game of failure and you learn every time you fail. It’s very hard and can really get on your nerves, especially when you’re doing [well], [but] it makes me feel proud of what I have accomplished and all the hard work I’ve put in,” Beno said. 

For seven years, Beno played for the club baseball team The Gamers. Despite making varsity his freshman year, he came across many difficulties that set him back from achieving his goals. However, that didn’t stop his determination to prove his place on the team. 

“I was proud [that I made varsity freshman year], but it was challenging, especially as a freshman. It was hard getting playing time at [my] position. I had to play other positions because there were players who were better than me,” Beno said. “[In my] 13th season, I hit a walk-off home run against a team I had a bunch of friends on. 

Beno received offers from Arkansas State University, Valparaiso University, University of South Alabama and Indiana State University. He decided to continue his baseball career at the University of South Alabama, a Division I university located in Mobile, Ala. 

“[The campus] isn’t big but it’s not too small; you can walk everywhere. The baseball team [is] usually pretty good and everyone I met was nice.  [Typically], they get a lot of draft picks each year,” Beno said. “It’s a nice scenery and was the best fit for me and my baseball career.” 

Beno’s inspiration is American professional baseball outfielder Bryce Harper. 

“He’s been my favorite player since I’ve been growing up. Watching him run home-runs and being awarded for his skill has always inspired me to play my best. He’s always been the best and most fun to watch,” Beno said. 

Over the years, Beno built a strong connection with his teammates. 

“The friends I’ve made throughout playing [are] lifelong memories. We text [each other] every day, we go eat a lot — especially when we’re out of town — and we try to go do things [together]. Everyone’s close, we’re pretty much best friends,” Beno said.