Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Sarah Lessig, a true multisport phenom! In a world where early commitment is often the norm, Lessig's late emergence onto the scene left coaches at the Run 4 The Roses tournament in Louisville utterly surprised.
"Oh my gosh, you've got to see Sarah Lessig play!" exclaimed Carla Berube, the current Princeton coach and former Tufts head coach, after watching Lessig's team, Washington Premier, in action. And it was at this very tournament that Lessig's future coach, Berube, was introduced to her talent.
The Seattle native had been on Princeton's radar, but it was a chance encounter that sealed the deal. If it weren't for Lessig's AAU coach, Mia Augustavo-Fisher, who drove her to the tournament, who knows where Lessig's path would have led?
Growing up in the heart of downtown Seattle, Lessig's playground was the city itself. Without a car and living in a small apartment with her mom, Jill, and brother, Tommy, Lessig navigated the city's streets on buses, scooters, and skateboards. Her mom, determined to support her children's passions, made sacrifices to ensure they could play the sports they loved.
"Baseball was my first love," Lessig shared. "I would go to my brother's Little League practices, and my mom coached my team until I was 14." Jill's dedication paid off, as Lessig excelled in multiple sports, including softball and baseball, becoming the only girl playing in Seattle's Metro League.
Lessig's athletic prowess earned her invitations to elite baseball training camps and collaborations with former MLB players. But it was her love for basketball that eventually led her to Princeton. Lessig's background as an elite multisport athlete has shaped her unique approach to the game.
"I think you can see it in my game," Lessig said. "Different kinds of movements come from different sports. With skateboarding, I learned how to fall, so I know how to take a charge."
Lessig's journey to Princeton was not without its challenges. Coming from a low-income family, club sports and travel ball were initially out of reach. It was Augustavo-Fisher's kindness and support that made all the difference, helping Lessig financially and connecting her with coaches.
"I give all my credit to Mia," Lessig said. "She believed in me and helped me get on the recruiting map."
By the time Lessig reached the Nike Tournament of Champions, her recruitment had shifted into high gear. Coaches were impressed by her multitalented skill set, which includes playing piano and guitar. Lessig's senior year at Garfield saw her earn Metro League MVP honors for basketball and receive offers from over 30 Division I basketball and softball programs.
Among all her opportunities, Princeton stood out. The all-women staff, the prospect of an Ivy League education, and the rule against summer workouts, allowing for quality time with family, made Princeton the perfect choice.
"What an incredible athlete," Berube said of Lessig. "She brings so much to our program. She's driven, and she wants to be great at everything she does."
Lessig's journey from the concrete jungle of Seattle to the ivy-covered halls of Princeton is a testament to her dedication and the support system that helped her overcome obstacles. Her story is a reminder that talent and hard work can lead to incredible opportunities, no matter the route taken.
What do you think? Is Lessig's journey an inspiring tale of perseverance, or does it highlight the challenges faced by athletes from low-income backgrounds? Share your thoughts in the comments!
