Athletics
Johnny Stankard '19
Crew at Columbia University
How did Groton prepare you to play in college?
The greatest gift Groton provided me was time management. Learning to balance schoolwork with the countless athletic and extracurricular demands of Groton ensured a smooth transition to my college schedule. The sheer volume of a Division 1 practice schedule is overwhelming, but adding a rigorous courseload on top of it can be too much to handle for some. However, Groton taught me to plan my time effectively and efficiently and has helped me ensure that I am able to complete what is asked of me. Groton also taught me maturity and dedication. The faculty and staff trust you with an incredible amount at such a young age, which allowed me to grow and prosper while learning from such incredible mentors who wanted to see me succeed.
What is your favorite memory from your Groton athletic career?
I remember my Fourth Form winter St. Mark's Day like it was yesterday. The environment was unmatched–it felt like the whole school came out that day to watch us play. The basketball team beat St. Mark’s for the first time in over twenty years. The crowd stormed the court and met us for an incredible celebration at half court. I was surrounded by family and friends and a supportive fan base, and I could not have asked for a better Saturday afternoon. The rivalry between St. Mark’s and Groton allows students the opportunity to compete for something that is greater than a single game, to be a part of a tradition that has lasted over a century.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to play a sport in college?
The best advice I can offer is perseverance. It seems like an impossible task to go from a small boarding school to college athletics, but it certainly is not. If you dedicate yourself to being the best version of yourself that you can be, things are going to work out one way or another. Reach out to past Grotonians who are competing in college for advice, and rely on the endless support channels that Groton provides.
Athletic accomplishments at Groton
Captain, crew
Captain, varsity basketball
ISL Honorable Mention, basketball
Johnny's Columbia athletic profile
Back
The greatest gift Groton provided me was time management. Learning to balance schoolwork with the countless athletic and extracurricular demands of Groton ensured a smooth transition to my college schedule. The sheer volume of a Division 1 practice schedule is overwhelming, but adding a rigorous courseload on top of it can be too much to handle for some. However, Groton taught me to plan my time effectively and efficiently and has helped me ensure that I am able to complete what is asked of me. Groton also taught me maturity and dedication. The faculty and staff trust you with an incredible amount at such a young age, which allowed me to grow and prosper while learning from such incredible mentors who wanted to see me succeed.
What is your favorite memory from your Groton athletic career?
I remember my Fourth Form winter St. Mark's Day like it was yesterday. The environment was unmatched–it felt like the whole school came out that day to watch us play. The basketball team beat St. Mark’s for the first time in over twenty years. The crowd stormed the court and met us for an incredible celebration at half court. I was surrounded by family and friends and a supportive fan base, and I could not have asked for a better Saturday afternoon. The rivalry between St. Mark’s and Groton allows students the opportunity to compete for something that is greater than a single game, to be a part of a tradition that has lasted over a century.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to play a sport in college?
The best advice I can offer is perseverance. It seems like an impossible task to go from a small boarding school to college athletics, but it certainly is not. If you dedicate yourself to being the best version of yourself that you can be, things are going to work out one way or another. Reach out to past Grotonians who are competing in college for advice, and rely on the endless support channels that Groton provides.
Athletic accomplishments at Groton
Captain, crew
Captain, varsity basketball
ISL Honorable Mention, basketball
Johnny's Columbia athletic profile
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