Westborough Rangers Take On College Athletics

By: Jenna Lewis-Keddy and Sarissa Volin

The class of 2018 is full of athletes that excel day by day in the sports they play. Some of these athletes are continuing their athletic career at the collegiate level.  The recruitment process may be different for everyone, but all have a common theme: hard work.

Senior Claire Hounslow is a four year varsity player and two year captain for the WHS girls varsity soccer team.  During the summer, she attended an “ID camp” at Lasell College to get noticed during summer 2015.

“You have to know going into high school if you want to play in colleges,” Hounslow suggests. “The earlier you have the mindset you want to play [in college] the earlier you can start preparing and training.”

Similarly for senior soccer captain Tyler Stott has been on varsity since he started playing for the high school. He cites playing soccer for as long as possible has always been the plan, college included. “You can’t be scared to reach out to coaches and recruiting camps,” he shares.

Hounslow committed to Lesley University on May 12, 2016. “Lesley was perfect for me. It’s small and has a good psychology program.”

She also shares an important benefit to Lesley: the location. “Being only in Cambridge, it allow my parents to still come out and watch my games. I’m most excited to look in the stands, see my supportive parents, and show them the training was worth it.”

Stott, who committed to Boston College on June 19, 2016 had a different experience choosing his school. For years, he had been playing for NEFC (club soccer) under Coach Ed Kelly, who happens to be the BC soccer coach.

“Everything just fell into place. I knew I wanted a school with both good academics and a good soccer team. Boston College was perfect,” comments Stott.

Hounslow is also excited about having Stott so close; the two have been supportive friends for years and are excited to be able to still watch each other.