Phoebe Hackett ’24 is a four-year Senior from Bridgehampton, New York. She is co-captain of Varsity Sailing and will sail for Brown University next year.
This year, she led the Hotchkiss team to a 14-3 season and a second- place finish at team-racing New Englands.
Hackett was introduced to the sport at the age of six, when her parents enrolled her in sailing camp. At first, she said, she did not enjoy sailing and feared being alone on the water.
After a few years, however, she found the fun in the sport and developed a deep love for sailing. Hackett said, “Hotchkiss has allowed me to sail in both the spring and summer, which I have never been able to do before. This opportunity has allowed me to sail so much more and get better.”
Reflecting on her time with the team, Hackett said, “There is a lot of traveling, but I have gotten used to it. Practices are really fun, and we get to spend a lot of time on the lake. Most importantly, sailing with so many different people, who are all really talented, has helped me improve a lot.”
This year, Hackett was elected co-captain of the team along with Nolan Jennings ’24 and Samara Walshe ’25. “As a captain, I get to work with Coach Richard Davis on the behind-the-scenes work, which I have learned is really important,” said Hackett. “It is time-consuming, but it has taught me how to budget my time well, which is a skill I will need in the future. I also like being someone that the team can come to if they need support or have questions.”
Jennings, a childhood friend who has sailed with Hackett since before coming to the school, said, “Phoebe is a great friend, and watching her grow so much as a sailor in high school has been a joy. I have learned dedication and persistence from Phoebe. Being a co-captain with her this season has been invaluable to my progression as a sailor and captain. Her positivity and willingness to participate is truly one of a kind.”
Head Coach Davis said, “Phoebe has been an outstanding member of the team. She is resilient, positive, and tough, and she makes every boat she is in better. As a captain, she’s a great leader by example, and I think she is someone all members of the team feel they can talk to.”
Hackett has competed in five Team-Race National Championships with the school. In her Lower Mid year, she competed at nationals in Texas, coming in 4th place. In her Upper Mid year, she traveled to Minnesota for nationals, where she placed 3rd. This year, she went to Washington and placed 4th out of 12 teams.
For Hackett, the college recruiting process began during the fall of her Upper Mid year. Over the spring, she visited schools to meet the coaches and teams. Hackett said, “I chose to sail in college because of the discipline that comes from having a sport. You have to practice, work out, and travel for competitions. I have a fun time sailing, and being on the water is stress-relieving.”
Hackett received her offer from Brown University over the summer. She said, “Brown is a great school for me. Their sailing team is really good, and the team vibe is great. I also like how Brown is central to all New England sailing. This lessens travel time and will help me focus on academics.”
Hackett plans to study biology at Brown. She said, “The lake is a key takeaway from my Hotchkiss experience. Whether I am sailing or hanging out with friends, I have made a lot of good memories on the lake. Any time I am down there, I am happy.”
