For many students, fall of senior year is a waiting game of anxiety and uncertainty. For ODA’s Kimmy Comito, however, the apprehension of wondering which college she will attend in less than a year is in the past. Comito has recently verbally committed to play Division 1 lacrosse for American University in Washington, DC.

The soccer-turned-lacrosse star recognized her passion for the sport of lacrosse when she was in the 8^th grade.

“I tried it for the first time and realized it was an awesome sport I wanted to continue playing throughout high school.”

Comito began playing competitive travel lacrosse the summer going into 10^th grade, which is when she realized she wanted to play at the collegiate level. Comito tried out for the LaxManiax TFG (Team Florida Girls) Black team, the best team for her age group. After trying out and making the team, Comito spent her fall and summer lacrosse season contacting college coaches, and hearing back from some. By the end of her sophomore year, Comito had still not looked into American University.

“As I was going into junior year, I was only talking to a few schools. Before my biggest recruiting tournament of the fall I was sending emails one night to a bunch of different colleges. I was really tired and wanted to be finished. I was finishing up my last few, and I hesitated sending and email to the American coach because I thought I wasn’t good enough to play for there. However, at the last minute I decided to just send one last email, because I thought, ‘what was the worst that could happen?’”

Luckily, the worst thing that could happen was the last thing Comito had to worry about. The American coach had watched her play in the previous tournament and must have liked what he saw, as he emailed her soon after. This led to an unofficial visit, where Comito fell in love with every aspect of the school.

“After staying over night with some of the team players I really got a feel for what it would be like to go to school there, and realized it would be a really good fit for me.”

Once she got home, she didn’t hesitate to send her test scores and transcripts in to make sure she was a good fit academically for the school.

“After my summer lacrosse tournaments were all over I received and email from the head coach, Emma Wallace, saying I should give her a call. Right then I knew that it was the call I’d been waiting for since my visit in January.”

Comit0 spoke to coach Emma and received an offer to be an Eagle. She gladly accepted.

“It was the best and happiest decision I’ve made in my entire life. I don’t think there is another college or university out there that would be a better fit for me. I go up for an official visit in one month and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s also such a huge relief because I am guaranteed into the school [when I apply] because admissions seen my grades and test scores and said I am admissible to the school.”

Comito has the support of all her peers at both school and on her club lacrosse team as she becomes an Eagle next year.

“I’m very happy for Kimmy. She’s worked hard for all of her achievements.” says teammate Abby Bannar.