Lael Williams '22 Recruiting Profile

Academics is the deciding factor in the college I choose. I want it to have a strong Environmental Science, Policy, and Engineering Program. I attend a very non-traditional high school set in Pt. Defiance Park - my city's 760-acre park which has the Zoo & Aquarium and is surrounded on three sides by Puget Sound. It is called SAMI (Science and Math Institute). Hands-on programs are important to me.

I compete on Wilson High School's team because SAMI doesn't have team sports. The camaraderie of the Lady Rams is what drives me to do my best. I've swam with clubs since I was eleven and still do (currently with VAST), but my true love is team swimming. The strong friendships built during hard workouts and the joy of competing together are what make me want to swim in college.

My biggest time commitment outside of high school swimming is participating in my school's award-winning FIRST Robotics Team. I am currently the General Manager of SOTAbots. My responsibilities include coordinating between team mentors and the rest of the student leadership. I've learned how to wire electrical systems, build, and volunteered in the community. I was on the four-person team that wrote and presented our team's summary of our outreach, service, and achievements. During my time at SOTAbots, we have been awarded our district's top award both years as well as a national award for Engineering Inspiration while competing at World Championships in Houston with our student-built robot.