Written by Jack Wescott '25

Growing up, sports meant a lot to me. Whatever season it was, I was playing something. At GA, I kept up the trend, competing in football and rowing. Along the way, I had to make some tough decisions in dropping certain sports to pursue new opportunities. It was hard to let go, but those choices shaped my journey and opened doors I never expected. 

When I first came to GA, I had the idea of being a kicker for the football team. But then, I started growing and found my home as a tight end and earned the role of team captain as a senior. Football at GA wasn’t just about the game, it was about learning how to handle adversity, leaning on your teammates, and moving forward. Playing football for four years was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Standing on the field after the season made me realize it was all worth it. 

Rowing was another unexpected turn. I came to GA thinking I’d play baseball in the spring. Then, my dad mentioned trying crew, and I thought, why not? Last year as a junior, I was captain of the rowing team and a leader of my boat. Rowing taught me what it means to push limits—not just mine, but our entire team. We competed at Nationals and faced programs like Malvern and Haverford that row year-round, but we held our own. Our boat was full of athletes from different sports. We rowed for each other and that’s what made us strong.

Balancing football and rowing was a challenge, though. Football season demanded that I keep my strength and weight up, while rowing required more endurance and less bulk. Thankfully, I had Coach Joe Migliarese, our Manager of Fitness and Performance. He helped create a plan that allowed me to stay stable and excel in both sports. I gained the weight I needed for football while staying in top shape for rowing, and it paid off.

Through it all, I’ve learned that GA is a place where you can explore, evolve, and find your path. The culture here encourages you to be more than a one-sport athlete, and for me, that freedom was incredibly important because I felt supported by a community that wanted me to succeed.

My athletic journey at Germantown Academy has been about so much more than the wins and losses. It’s been about growth, resilience, and enjoying the process. As I prepare to leave this place, I carry with me lessons that extend far beyond the field or the boat. They’re lessons for life, and for that, I’ll always be thankful.