Ellie Mae Matej '27 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ellie Mae, and I am thrilled to share my personal statement with you as I aspire to join a college rowing program. Rowing has become my passion since I first discovered the sport after moving from Texas to Florida. Being a part of the Orlando Area Rowing Society (OARS) for the past year has allowed me to compete and immerse myself in the wonderful community that rowing brings. I am eager to continue growing my abilities and athleticism in college.

Academically, I am dedicated and strive for excellence. As a sophomore at Olympia High School, I maintain a 3.9 GPA and a weighted GPA of 4.7. I am part of the Advanced Placement Experience Scholars Academy (APEX), which focuses on advanced academics and community service. This program has helped me develop a strong work ethic and a commitment to my education.

Outside of academics and rowing, I am actively involved in various extracurricular activities. I serve as the President of the National Charity League (NCL) Citrus Blossom Chapter for the class of 2027 and 2028, where I have gained valuable leadership experience and contributed to the community through organizations such as the Second Harvest Food Bank, Alzheimer's Association, and United Way of Central Florida. Additionally, I am a member of the Debate Team and Wounded Warriors, and I have played volleyball since the age of 12, both for club and school teams. My dedication to volleyball earned me the Volleyball Coaches Award.

I am also a founding member of the Windermere Active Youth Committee (WAY), a leadership organization that advises the City of Windermere on initiatives from a student's perspective. Currently, I am involved with the Police Department of Windermere, further demonstrating my commitment to community service and leadership.

In the summer of 2024, I participated in the University of Texas Rowing Summer Camp and will be attending again in 2025. This experience has further fueled my passion for rowing and my desire to excel in the sport. I am interested in pursuing a career in engineering or medicine, and I believe that the discipline and teamwork required in rowing will greatly benefit my future endeavors.

I am known for my positive outlook on life, leadership abilities, and compassion. I work well with others and am always eager to support my teammates and contribute to a positive team environment. I believe these qualities, along with my dedication to both academics and athletics, make me a strong candidate for a rowing program.