Deerfield’s Mission cites, “Pursuit of mastery built on a foundation of breadth and versatility,” as one of the Academy’s core values. As Deerfield students we pursue mastery in the classroom, on stage, on the field, on the water and in every other facet of our lives. Anna Scott ‘18 and Bubba Fairman ‘17 pursue mastery of their respective sports at the highest level.
Scott joined the Yale Women’s Crew team this year after leading Deerfield to a run at Nationals in her senior year. Yale, just as Deerfield, also had a great year in 2018: qualifying for the Grand Final at the NCAA Championships and finishing in the top 6 in multiple races. It’s hard to imagine that an athlete who started a sport in high school could rise to compete for one of the top ten teams in the nation, but that is exactly what Scott did. Never having touched an oar before coming to Deerfield, Scott’s unwavering work ethic and dedication to the sport brought her to national prowess.
Maryland Lacrosse: synonymous to Duke Basketball or Alabama Football. There is no higher level of the sport than when you step on Citi Field in a Terrapin uniform. Fairman exemplified this high level of lacrosse during his one year at Deerfield and continues to excel during his college career. Fairman started for Maryland as a freshman, an impressive feat even for a player of Fairman’s caliber. As a sophomore, Fairman leads a young Terps squad in the midfield and continues to espouse all the leadership skills he refined during his time at Deerfield. Fairman and Scott reflect about the impact their time at Deerfield has had on their college experiences.
What really had the greatest impact on me from my experiences at Deerfield were the times that taught me how to be tough, how to keep going when things get hard, and most importantly, how to relax and have a laugh along the way. In the context of rowing, at Deerfield, I made lifelong friends and had coaches who cared so much and put tons of effort into my success, which I’m extremely grateful for. No professors care as much as Deerfield teachers and coaches do. I am filled with so much pride to wear my Deerfield uni during practice-there is truly magic in that valley.” – Anna Scott ’18 Yale University Women’s Crew
“Deerfield prepared me for almost every aspect of college. DA allowed me to figure out what subjects intrigued me and who I want to be before I even got to college. I was ready to live independently from my parents and still focus on what I needed to get done. When transferring to Deerfield, I was challenged by the academic program more than ever before in my life. Those challenges prepared me for what I am currently facing in college right now. Lastly, Deerfield taught me to put myself out there and be confident in who I am and what I am capable of. I am forever grateful for the person Deerfield made me.” – Bubba Fairman (Right) ’17 University of Maryland Men’s Lacrosse
