Most high school students continue on to college, and some bypass further education to pursue a career immediately. A rare few, like senior Kelsey O’Brien, attempt to do both at the same time.

O’Brien has decided, after thorough consideration, to join the United States Naval Academy to play lacrosse, but lacrosse will be a component at most to her college experience. Like other colleges, athletes must still take challenging classes and maintain a good GPA. The title of the Naval Academy brings one of the most rigorous lives for Kelsey, as she will have to balance out schoolwork, a Division I sport, and preparation for service in the Navy.

“Next year, balancing all of the separate requirements of being a plebe (freshman) will definitely be a strenuous task and adding school work and lacrosse will be difficult, O’Brien said. “But I am ready for the challenge.”

The Naval Academy will prepare her for service in the Navy, where she is mandated to serve for at least five years as an officer.

“USNA offers one of the best educations in the country and the world, yet it’s in a class of its own due to the discipline, structure and morals upon which the Academy is built,” she said.

O’Brien added that recommendation letters, a high school transcript, an interview with a representative from the Academy, and a physical test, among other things, are all required to apply, making the application for the Naval Academy just as strenuous as that of other colleges.

“Despite the stress that comes with all of this and the work that will be required of me,” O’Brien said excitedly, “I am very excited and ready to go to college just like any other high school senior.”