Lately at Loomis, it appears that sports have become a much bigger deal than before, largely because there are far more athletic recruits now. Sharing a dorm room with a recruit has shown me how much that label can reshape someone’s priorities. Recruited athletes are constantly balancing schoolwork with practices, and it made me wonder if other recruits experience the same pressure.

As someone who’s not a Varsity Athlete, I sometimes feel a little out of place. Most students are involved in high-level competitions within sports, creating this rhythm that often excludes non-athletes. Teddy Lugar ’28 put it best when he described, “Knowing where I needed to be and being at that level made me forget to consider others in my athletic performance.” 

When I spoke with others about athletics, the topic of recruits came up every time. There’s a certain weight that comes with being one. In an interview with recruit, Jake Coloscaure ’28, he said, “It’s really important for me to prioritize my academics, but also make sure I make adequate time for my athletics as well.” This highlights the pressures of having to do well in both areas, and how they could create tension in the balance of school life. 

Tonnam Jangcharoensiri ’28 said her view of recruits was based on how they came to Loomis, where “Recruits are here for athletics, and they can also get into college with their performance.” Her view on athletic success made me wonder about different pathways to success here at Loomis. From my view, athletics often take the spotlight, and that can make some students feel like their achievements aren’t as visible. 

Overall, I feel Loomis is struggling to balance the value of athletes versus non-athletes. Sports are great for building community and school spirit, but when they begin to overshadow everything else, it can make the school feel uneven. I feel the real challenge is making sure everyone—athletes or not—feels like they belong and are recognized for what they contribute.