While all of their friends were toddling around and learning the alphabet, many Spartan athletes were preparing for college.
The very competitive process of obtaining sports scholarships is no easy task. Students must meet rigorous academic standards as well as excelling in the sport of choice. Senior Britain Muir got a jump on the competition by starting her field hockey career at the ripe age of two.
“My father [is] from England and he played [field hockey] at his high school and throughout college. [He] started coaching and has continued coaching throughout his years over here,” said Muir. “It’s something I’ve grown up with.”
Muir has committed to Christopher Newport University and plans on playing field hockey next year. Although her achievements are impressive, she is not the only Spartan athlete who started their sport early. Senior Kyle Petitt has been playing soccer ever since he could stand and uses soccer as an emotional outlet.
“If I am having a bad day, I just go and play soccer,” said Petitt.
Petitt has received a scholarship to Lafayette College due to his academic and athletic abilities. In addition to being selected All-Conference First-Team, he also has been awarded Varsity MVP multiple times and player of the year for 2014 for his leadership on and off the pitch and commitment to his teammates.
Senior Antonio Bustamante is another Spartan soccer star. Unlike Muir and Petitt, Bustamante did not start his sport as a toddler.
“My first sport was basketball, my grandfather pushed me towards soccer,” said Bustamante.
Bustamante is currently participating in one of the US’ top soccer teams for teens, DC United, which will thoroughly help him on the road to becoming a professional soccer player. Although Bustamante received many offers from multiple colleges, he has committed to William and Mary. To be recruited for soccer, Bustamante had to meet multiple credentials including academic standards, coach interviews and his athleticism.
“The scholarship adds to the chance of having a professional career,” said Bustamante.
The athletes’ talent has driven them to success, but their commitment and love for the sport has made their efforts worthwhile by helping them achieve a collegiate level of excellence.
“It’s something that if I didn’t have in my life I wouldn’t know what to do. I’ve made so many friends and learned how to become the person I am today through that sport,” said Muir.