Two Notre Dame Seniors Earn Rare Appointments to West Point

While most high school seniors are focused on winding down their high school careers and gearing up for the summer before college, Notre Dame seniors Lily Coy and Grayson Maurer are preparing for West Point.

 

West Point, formally known as the United States Military Academy at West Point, is one of the most competitive and prestigious military academies in the world, according to Michael Tomaszewski, a 1983 West Point graduate and current field force representative for the academy.

 

“Just as with other selective universities, West Point observes academic excellence,” said Tomaszewski. “This means having a strong GPA, high class rank, and rigorous coursework. West Point is particularly interested in students who have shown a commitment to STEM subjects. Seventy-five percent of the incoming class have a GPA above 3.75.”

 

High standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are also necessary to be a competitive candidate.

 

Tomaszewski explained that leadership skills are highly valued in cadets. That could mean serving in student council, holding leadership positions in clubs or organizations, or being a captain for an athletics team. Athletics are also a requirement for consideration, as all cadets must participate in either inter-collegiate or club sports, or mandatory intramurals.

 

A unique requirement for West Point, explained Tomaszewski, is a Congressional nomination from a senator, representative or the vice president. “This process can be rigorous and often involves separate applications and interviews.”

 

The final hurdle for acceptance is to pass a medical exam and the Candidate Fitness Assessment. This final requirement is necessary as West Point students become Army officers after graduation, and must meet the physical demands of the military.

 

 

Coy and Maurer are close friends, both pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves.

 

“Before we started looking for colleges, we always encouraged each other to ‘go big’ even if it didn’t work out,” said Coy. “I feel like out of many of the people in my life, Grayson has always believed in me and also made me believe in myself.”

 

Maurer said she received a letter from West Point during her junior year, and felt called to “dig deeper” into the potential of the military academy.

 

“I found the track coach’s email and he put me in touch with the jumps coach. I kept in touch with him throughout last year’s track season,” said Maurer. “Then, over the summer, I went with Lily to a summer seminar at the Naval Academy. That, in a way, solidified that this (a military academy) is the path I want to follow in my college career.”

 

Maurer completed her application process last summer and received her letter of assurance in August before her senior year began. She was officially accepted in January.

 

Maurer said Notre Dame Track & Field Coach Ryan Long introduced her to Tomaszewski during her junior year. “Mr. Tomaszewski actually ended up being my field force officer, so I have talked to and worked with him a lot in the last year throughout this entire process.”

 

Coy said her dad received a call from Senator Jason Smith earlier this year asking to speak to her. “What was crazy was that I thought to myself just that morning of the call, ‘maybe I just need to ask God to help me get in.’ When I got the call, I was so grateful that all I could think about was the fact that I asked, and God listened.”

 

When asked why she felt West Point was a good fit for her, Coy said she’s always wanted to push herself. “I am a huge perfectionist. I feel so called to the growth that I believe West Point has to offer. I was drawn to West Point’s rigorous academics and the way that they are set apart from other universities. I can confidently say that I feel like I am setting myself up for success because I am going there.”

 

Coy will be joining West Point’s cross country team.

 

“I love the way the distance team builds a community just as it does at Notre Dame,” she said. “I feel like there is a family there on the team just like there is here. Although it won’t be the same without my [Notre Dame] girls, I am excited to run with talented individuals next year.”

 

Coy credits Notre Dame Cross Country Coach Richie Bohn for helping her understand the team aspect of running.

 

“Coach Bohn has always encouraged me to be a leader, even from freshman year. I believe that every time I have run a race for Notre Dame, I run for my team.”

 

Maurer signed a National Letter of Intent with West Point’s track and field team.

 

She, too, credits her high school coach for helping set her up for success.

 

“Coach Long has helped me to stay focused on the right things throughout this whole process. He is so patient and calm with me, and he has become so adept at getting me to where I need to be.”

 

 

While both girls are excited for the new opportunity to challenge and push themselves, they both have immense gratitude for their families and their school community.

 

Maurer says her parents have been right by her side through the whole process.

 

“They drove me to my interviews, and my mom did a deep dive on cadet life because she knew I was nervous,” said Maurer. “My mom helped calm my nerves a lot over the last year. My dad always helped me prepare for interview questions and quizzed me over things I should know. They have been so present and supportive for me in this process and I'm beyond grateful.”

 

Maurer said when she told her grandparents of the news of her acceptance, they started tearing up with pride. “They tell me all the time how proud they are. I love that I'm able to make these people who shaped me into who I am proud of who I've become.”

 

“My parents have come to every meet, every event, anything that I even mention, they come and support me,” said Coy. “Coach Bohn and Coach Long were also incredibly supportive. Both of them were so excited when I got in.”

 

Coy feels the support of her Notre Dame family behind her as well.

 

“Going to Notre Dame, I honestly felt like I was supported by an army of students and faculty as I applied and got accepted to West Point,” she said. “When I leave for this next chapter of my life, I have no doubt that the people at Notre Dame will be praying for me and supporting me from home.”