Two exciting announcements!

2013 ICSA First Team Academic All-American  

Last week I was named as one of nine members of the First Academic All-American Sailing Team! Yup, I’m a nerd. [A picture of me surrounded by books would be boring – so here’s me working in the Product Realization Lab for my Design and Manufacturing class.]

“The 2013 All-Academic Sailing Team recognizes collegiate sailors who have achieved excellence in national and inter-conference competition as well as excelling at the highest academic level for the 2012 – 2013 academic year…  The committee uses the same competition data that is used to determine the ICSA All-American Team, which honors sailors for their exceptional competitive performance.”

Congratulations to my teammates, Katie Riklin (Second All-Academic Sailing Team) and Sally Mace and Mckenzie Wilson (All-Conference All-Academic Sailing Team)! I know we have all worked our tails off, studying on a plane, in the airport, in a twelve-passenger van, or even on a dock! At Stanford, we like to say “Nerd Nation” 🙂

Block “S” Outstanding Female Junior Award

This is awarded by the Stanford Athletics Board and was presented at the Athletic Board Awards Luncheon in mid-June.

Here’s the blurb:
 “Earned spot on US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider … led squad to league title … positioned Stanford to first No. 1 ranking in program history … contributed to five team race victories overall … member of team that won national semifinal earlier this year … competed in all three national championships this spring … team captain … head coach John Vandemoer said: “Opposing coaches have commented to me on how loose we look and how much fun we have as a team during competition at the highest levels and that is due to Helena’s leadership.” 

I was one of five female juniors to receive the award: Nicole Gibbs (2x NCAA Women’s Tennis Singles Champion), Carly Wopat (Women’s Volleyball National team), Kristie Ahn (clinched Women’s Tennis National Championship this year), and Maya DiRado (6x NCAA All-American, Swimming) were my fellow awardees.
I am so honored to be named alongside student-athletes that inspire me every day. The luncheon reinforced for me what a special community Stanford Athletics is. I will remember my team and the amazing memories I’ve formed as a Stanford athlete for the rest of my life – not to mention the life lessons that being a student-athlete here has taught me.
Also, congratulations to my skipper at Coed Nationals, Oliver Toole, who was awarded Conference Male Athlete of the Year! Special thanks to my coaches John Vandemoer and Clinton Hayes for being there every step of the way.
Paris was in town for training so she was able to join John, Clinton, Oliver and me at the luncheon 🙂

Thank you again to my teammates, coaches, and Stanford Athletics for pushing me every day.