Cate Lewison, a standout scholar and dual-sport athlete at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, is the embodiment of a scholar-leader-athlete.
Lewison's not only a star on the field but also in the classroom, pursuing a degree in computer science and mathematics with a concentration in economics at Harvey Mudd College.
She maintains an active role within the community as the co-president of the investment club and community service club, a tour guide, a grutor (grader and tutor) for the computer science and math departments, and managing the Linde Activities Center (campus gym) at Harvey Mudd.
Despite the challenges that come with being a student-athlete, Lewison's passion for both soccer and lacrosse, and the strong sense of camaraderie within the CMS community are what motivates her to keep going.
"I love both sports and the big team aspect of both," Lewison said. "Both programs have supportive team cultures, and getting to play and learn from so many amazing teammates definitely motivates me to play both."
The experience of being a CMS athlete is not just about the competition for Lewison, it's about the connections and friendships she's formed.
"Both teams have given me an invaluable built-in community that I can always lean on for support," she said. "Coming into school with a bunch of best friends is something I am so grateful for. I have gotten to know so many driven, intelligent, and selfless athletes who inspire me to work harder each day."
Scholar-Leader-Athlete
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Lewison's journey to CMS and Harvey Mudd College was driven by her desire to have a true student-athlete experience.
She was drawn to CMS for its high-level competition, strong sense of community, and the opportunity to be close to both the mountains and the beach.
"I came into the college process unsure of whether I wanted to pursue college athletics," Lewison said. "I loved my computer science courses in high school, so I knew I wanted to pursue CS or engineering in college. CMS fit my criteria for a true student-athlete experience, with high-level competition, camaraderie within the athletics community, and proximity to both the mountains and the beach [both of which I frequent when I have a day off]. I ultimately chose Mudd because of its academic rigor, research opportunities, and unique student culture, which I didn't find anywhere else."
Being a student-athlete at a school as academically rigorous as Harvey Mudd College is no small feat. However, Lewison believes that the skills required for success in athletics and academics go hand-in-hand.
Lewison has embraced the challenges of being a dual-sport athlete while maintaining a high level of performance in the classroom.
"I think high achievement in team athletics goes hand-in-hand with academic success," she said. "Both require focus, time management, and the ability to work effectively with others."
Lewison's commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life is evident in her involvement in various clubs and organizations on campus, as well as her roles as a tour guide, grader, and tutor. She's also actively supported by her teammates, coaches, and the entire CMS community, which she credits for her growth as an athlete and student.
"All of my teammates, coaches, training room staff, and gameday management staff are the reason I get to be an athlete at CMS, and their support is immeasurable," Lewison said. "Also, Professors like David Vosburg at Mudd are super supportive of the athletics program and always wish me good luck for competitions."
Two different teams, one community
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Lewison's experiences on the soccer and lacrosse teams have been instrumental in shaping her college experience. Each team offers its own unique dynamics and challenges, but both have contributed to her growth as an athlete and a person.
One of Lewison's most memorable moments as a CMS student-athlete came during her junior year when the soccer team won the SCIAC championship against Pomona-Pitzer, ending a 16-game losing streak to their rivals.
"Our team worked so hard over the course of the season, and our senior class really deserved that win," Lewison said.
However, Lewison's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges. During her freshman spring, she found herself juggling her roles as a midfielder for the lacrosse team while also participating in the spring soccer season.
Unfortunately, this demanding schedule took a toll on her health, resulting in a stress fracture in her femur that sidelined her for six months.
Despite the physical and mental toll, Lewison emerged from this experience with valuable lessons in resilience and the importance of prioritizing well-being.
"I learned a hard lesson about balancing activity, sleep, and nutrition," she said. "The injury was mentally taxing, and I missed most of my sophomore soccer season. Time on the sidelines gave me a new perspective; I learned to better support my teammates from off the field, built resilience, and now understand the value of prioritizing well-being."
With her final year as a CMS student-athlete approaching, Lewison's goals include staying healthy, making positive contributions to her teams, and savoring every moment with her teammates.
She's driven by a desire to leave a lasting impact on the CMS community and hopes to win another SCIAC championship.
"CMS athletes are constantly supporting each other by showing up to each other's competitions, chatting in the athletic training room, or engaging on social media. It's special to be in a community of student-athletes from other colleges who are all high achievers. Membership in this community extends far past graduation, which is evident in continual support from alumni."
Beyond the field and classroom
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While Lewison's athletic and academic pursuits are at the forefront of her college experience, she also finds time for hobbies and activities outside of her sports. She enjoys trail running, surfing, and playing the violin, which provide her with a much-needed outlet to unwind and recharge.
After a long day or tough competition, Lewison and her teammates often bond over sushi and attend other CMS sporting events to support their fellow athletes.
As she looks ahead to the future, Lewison plans to pursue a career in software engineering, with aspirations of transitioning into product management and entrepreneurship in the financial technology space. Her ultimate goal is to leave a positive impact on every community she becomes a part of while maintaining a strong work ethic.
"I want to leave a positive impact on every community I get to be a part of and maintain a strong work ethic," she said. "Of course, I plan to satiate my competitive spirit with trail racing and triathlon."
With her unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion for both her sports and studies, Lewison is sure to continue making a difference in the CMS community and beyond.
