Lucas Singhal '25 Recruiting Profile

My greatest talent is my ability to stay hungry; this hunger is the catalyst of my personal growth and self-expression. From a young age, I stood out physically; at 12, I was already 5’10” and 285 lbs; today, I’m 6’6” and 245 lbs. This detail has often prompted a question: “How’d you get so big?” My playful answer was always “chocolate milk,” but the reality is more complex. Whether navigating the challenges of physical growth, discovering new passions, or leading and inspiring others, my "hunger," my drive to learn, grow, and positively impact others, has shaped me into a dynamic individual, ready to embrace the diverse opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

My journey began with a concerning turning point: being diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter, a painful knee condition that forced me to quit all serious physical activities. Unable to work on myself, to feed the hunger inside, left me adrift, without direction or purpose. However, it also opened the door to a new passion: searching for a sport that would not aggravate my knee condition, I discovered rowing and, with it, a new mentor—Coach Connor—who had overcome the same debilitating diagnosis. Under his care and guidance, rowing’s lessons of constantly pushing against resistance, of making a rhythm that demanded discipline, adaptability, and perseverance not only helped me excel at the sport but also became foundational to my personal growth.

 My dedication to rowing began to expand my hunger with new opportunities: as my skills developed, so did my leadership abilities; my teammates and coaches took notice of my commitment and discipline and elected me as captain of the team, a role that allowed me to use my experience to inspire my peers. I learned that leadership is not about exerting authority but uplifting others to help them reach their full potential through empathy, patience, and accountability. This perspective extended beyond sports as I participated in Link Crew, where I guided freshmen to navigate the transition to high school. I aimed to be a leader who fostered a sense of community, helping students feel welcomed and supported in a new environment, just as I was. Furthermore, inspired by my success and hoping to make a larger impact on my community, I volunteered at a local kids’ rowing camp, where I could share my expertise and teach them to create healthy practices for themselves, no chocolate milk required. 

Personally, my hunger for growth has led me to learn and appreciate how languages connect and shape us. Growing up in a multicultural household with South African and Indian roots, learning multiple languages has allowed me to connect with my heritage while also embracing the diversity of the world I live in. Whether through English, Afrikaans, or Spanish, languages allow me to bridge cultural divides, further enriching my understanding of the world and my place within it. Academically, my hunger has enabled me to challenge myself through various rigorous AP courses, pushing my intellectual boundaries, and maximizing my potential to prepare for a successful college and professional career. To further incentivize this growth for myself and others, I regularly organize study sessions for my classmates to collaborate on their studies and support one another as we all strive for excellence.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that my journey has been one of continuous growth, driven by a hunger for improvement and a deep appreciation for diversity. From overcoming physical challenges, finding new passions, leading others, and connecting with my heritage, each step has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the power of self-expression. As I look to the future, I am excited to continue this journey, embracing new opportunities and challenges with the same passion and determination that have guided me thus far. I am ready to set a new rhythm, build new bridges, and create a positive impact wherever I go.