Northwestern University Athletics
Dear Northwestern: Charlotte Sands
6/20/2016 10:58:00 AM | General, David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program, Academic Services & Student Development, Women's Fencing
Dear Northwestern,
From the moment I stepped onto campus for my official visit, I knew I wanted to become a part of your family. Little did I know what that would mean.
Fencing meant running to catch the early morning shuttle to practice, laughing until we were in tears, spending three birthdays at Notre Dame, pushing the limits, and achieving our dreams of winning the Midwest Fencing Conference. My greatest learning and growth has been from and with all of you. Your diverse personalities and ways of thinking have broadened my mindset.
Thank you to Laurie Schiller for recruiting me into this incredible, quirky, group of women and listening to all of my ideas. I am so proud of what you have and will achieve. I am eager to follow the continued success of our team with Zach Moss.
Volunteering meant fun, nerves, connection, and growth into a leader. Sometimes we don't realize the impact we have until we are staring back at an entire middle school waiting for us to speak. Thank you to Maureen Palchak for introducing me to Fuel Up to Play 60 and pushing me to expand my comfort zone. I aspire to have as much of a positive impact on my community as you do.
NU for Life meant challenges, opportunities, mentoring, and growth. Thank you to Julie Hammer and Scott Koenning for supporting my professional development every step of the way. Your utter devotion to student athletes is unparalleled. Special shout-out for answering my "desperate" emails 24/7. Without you, this lost and confused sophomore's professional dream of becoming a consultant would not have been possible.
SESP meant inspiration, community, and self-reflection. Solving problems with classmates and professors was always a fun challenge. From Project Pause, I learned the importance of taking a step back. This helped me better understand what I wanted and why I wanted it, instead of just checking off boxes. Thank you to my classmates and professors for inspiring me with your plans to change the world.
What an incredible, crazy privilege it is to be a student-athlete. As student-athletes we excel at many things, but for me, above all else, being a student-athlete means you are resilient. Not only do my teammates get up at 6 a.m., after a late night of schoolwork and give maximum effort at practice, but they cheer me on while doing it. This is a personality trait that will help us achieve our goals. Thank you to everyone in the Athletics Department for giving us this experience.
None of this would have been possible without the endless support and love of my family; nor the unconditional belief in me by my fencing coaches, Simon and Irene Gershon. Thank you so much for this opportunity and letting me leave New York.
Thank you Northwestern Family. Go 'Cats!
Charlotte Sands, Fencing
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Fencing
Lacrosse - NCAA Tournament 2nd Round vs JMU Postgame Press Conference (5/10/26)
Sunday, May 10
Baseball - 'Cats Ground Redbirds in 7-1 Midweek Victory (5/5/26)
Tuesday, May 05
Softball - Marina Mason Tosses One-Hit Shutout, 'Cats Claim Series Win vs. Minnesota (5/3/26)
Monday, May 04
Baseball - 'Cats Take Series with 9-6 Victory over Hoosiers (5/3/26)
Sunday, May 03
