Stella Mekhanik '25 Recruiting Profile

If I could describe myself in one word, it would be competitive. From an early age, I have faced challenges that have required me to put everything on the line for the sake of success; And I think somewhere along the way, I started to enjoy that feeling. Whether it was struggling on my first soccer team, spending time exploring the outdoors, or even getting up close and personal to dangerous animals like snakes and alligators, I have always done things that push the bounds of my comfort zone, because it’s who I am as a person.

My soccer career began with a challenging scenario, in which I was two years younger than my peers at an age at which it also meant I was smaller; However, the improvement and satisfaction it gave me made the journey all the more worthwhile. Soccer is an important outlet for my competitive spirit and helps me be a balanced, complete person. I have gained not only a lifelong passion for the game of soccer, but athleticism and physicality that I have used to succeed in all areas of life. Attending an excellent college while also finding a close-knit soccer team, with a positive, competitive culture would be a dream come true.

For me, the challenges of life are what make it enjoyable. I have gotten straight A’s in all honors and AP classes throughout middle school and high school, because I wanted to be the best version of myself, continuously improving and growing. I follow my passions and often turn them into challenging activities for myself. I continually grow my artistic abilities, compete with, and medal on, my schools Academic Decathlon team, took an early ACT and got a 34, and even got a scuba license at the youngest age possible: ten years old. I’m actually not a daredevil or thrill-seeker. Though it’s true that I adore the adrenaline rush of scary movies and haunted houses, that’s not the only reason I strive to accomplish these things in my life. I’ve done them because it’s what gives my life meaning. The feeling of accomplishing a task, and triumphing over adversity is a feeling that, to me, just can’t be beat. And I want to continue my way of living long into the future.

In college, I want to follow my passions for biology, for chemistry, and for engineering; And I want to continue facing new challenges, whether it’s physical in soccer, outside in nature, or intellectual, with the sciences and engineering. For my college career, I want to be able to play soccer, to continue my streak and challenge myself to compete at the college level, and I know I can do it. But I also want to be able to compete academically, following my passions and interests in an intellectual way; Continually striving to be the best possible version of myself. I hope you’ll allow me this opportunity, and a chance to be part of your team. Thank you!