Saranac's Averi Lamp, a three-sport athlete, is prepared to row for MSU after signing her LOI.
SARANAC – You never know.
Most high school athletes have a dream to play at the next level. They've put in the time on the field or on the court, and, if their eye is truly on the future, also in the classroom.
If someone would have asked Saranac senior Averi Lamp not that long ago what she saw in her future she would have told you she was looking at NAIA and some NCAA D3 colleges for volleyball. Never in her wildest dreams did she picture herself in the water - and rowing - as a Michigan State University Spartan.
Yet, that is what she will be doing next fall. Averi signed her National Letter of Intent with MSU in November for crew. Pretty impressive, considering Averi has never dropped an oar in the water competitively. But there's a reason this wonderful story has happened.
Lamp is a three-sport athlete for Saranac. Last spring she played softball. In the fall she played volleyball, and for the winter season is currently playing basketball as a Redskin. As a matter of fact, Saranac doesn't even have a crew team. So, what did Averi have that drew the notice of the MSU crew coaching staff?
“Averi was identified at a volleyball tournament by my assistant coach, Samantha Sarff,” shared MSU head crew coach Matt Weise. “We are looking for athletic players that can make a transition to a new sport. This requires them to be dynamic movers with the capacity to play at a high level in multiple games. Rowing is a sport built on fitness and leverage so a long frame is also a requirement.”
The Spartan coaches were convinced, but was Averi? After all, she was an athlete who had never even rowed before. In actuality, she admits she didn't know one thing about crew. Did it take her some convincing?
“A little…,” she shared. “My first thought was no, I’ve never done it, I don’t think I want to. However, my parents told me I should keep my options open and at least do a phone call to learn more.”
And learn more she did.
“Most college rowers had never rowed in high school, I believe it’s close to 80 percent that had never rowed,” she said. “Most high schools do not have a rowing team, and if recruiters were only able to recruit from that pool they would have limited resources. Recruiters typically look for taller athletes, typically multi-sport athletes that have a general athleticism that allows them to pick up another sport easily.”
Averi had actually talked to Indiana University first, but settled on MSU as the perfect choice for herself. “After three unofficial visits to universities in the BIG 10, I was hooked, and I wanted to be competing athletically in the NCAA BIG 10 Conference. I felt strongly that the opportunities that the universities could provide were the best fit for me academically and athletically. I continued to stay in touch with Coach Sam and was invited for an official visit in September along with several other recruits. After the visit, I really felt a connection to the team, the coaches, and the campus.”
On November 8, 2017 Averi signed her NLI with MSU to compete in the oldest intercollegiate sport. Along with her signature, comes the opportunity to pursue a major in biology and genetics, and a minor in another yet another science at MSU.
“I was excited to hear that Averi was going to attend Michigan State and be a part of their crew,” said Averi's current basketball coach Steve Tompkins. “Averi is a fun-loving, energetic, and athletic young lady; participating in three varsity sports, volleyball, basketball, and softball. Because of her participation in so many activities, she has had to learn to manage her time. This skill will be an asset next year when she is away at college. Her speed, endurance, and explosiveness are keys to her success. They will serve her well in her venture into rowing. She brings enthusiasm and excitement to every team that she is a part of. Averi also serves as the 'unofficial' DJ for all of the road trips and locker room dance parties.”
Saranac volleyball coach Amy McElvain has no doubts Averi will do just fine in her new sport. “She’s never done it before, but attended her first rowing clinic recently and loved it. She is a 'go-getter' kind of girl with a ton of natural athleticism, so I am sure she’ll bring a lot to their crew team, too.”
Weise sees the same gifts Averi's high school coaches do.
“We are looking for athletes with high character, an excellent academic record and an ability to put the team first,” he said. “Averi fit all of these categories and we are looking forward to working with her next fall.”
Despite her initial doubt, Averi has now committed fully to her future, due to keeping her options open and a willingness to embark on a new journey.
“I’m very excited,” Averi shared. “Competing athletically at an NCAA D1 university, I think, is what every competitive high school athlete hopes for, and ultimately what made the decision easier to try something new.”
Tompkins says Averi is ready. “She and I spoke today about college orientation, roommates, and being on the crew team. She was excited when she signed her letter, but today her face lit up and she talked faster than normal. You can tell that she is eager to start her endeavor into college rowing.”