Homestead cross country and track & field star Julia Dvorak has committed to Yale University. She will continue to compete in both sports. She plans to study Ethics, Politics, and Economics. Dvorak announced the news of her commitment by posting it to her Twitter account on Wednesday April 30th.
“The academic opportunities Yale will provide Julia are unlimited,” Homestead girls cross country head coach Sara Wyss said. “It’s such a prestigious university with endless global connections which make it a terrific fit for Julia’s interests in economics and global affairs.”
Dvorak had originally committed to Notre Dame. She signed her letter of intent to go there the same week that Bishop Dwenger’s Erin Strzelecki signed to run for the Irish. But after much consideration, Dvorak decided to go to Yale instead.
“Both schools offer outstanding academics and athletics, but after a lot of thought and discussion with my family, I came to the decision that Yale was the best fit for me,” Dvorak said. “I am very excited for the next four years and can’t wait to be a Bulldog.”
Dvorak made an official visit to Yale earlier this year. During that visit, she got to meet women’s head cross country coach Taryn Sheehan. Sheehan will enter her second year as head coach when the cross country season begins in the fall.
Yale has a reputation of being a prestigious academic institution. Forbes.com ranks the school as #3 on the list of America’s top colleges, and also ranks it #15 out of 300 schools on the list of America’s best value colleges.
“When Julia shared the news that she was going to Yale, I was happy to hear she was able to follow her heart,” Wyss said. “Yale has been her dream school. To be accepted and to have the opportunity to compete at the D1 level; check off a lifetime goal.”
“I am very grateful and appreciative of all my family members, coaches, teammates, teachers, and friends who have given me endless support, encouragement, and love,” Dvorak said. “I will miss all of them so much next year, but I also can’t wait to see all of the amazing things the Homestead teams continue to accomplish in the years to come. I can’t wait to begin training with Coach Sheehan and the Yale team in the fall and am very excited to pursue a degree in Ethics, Politics and Economics.”
In cross country, Dvorak and the Spartans reached State all four years of her high school career. In her senior year, she placed 12th at State and fifth at Semi-State. In track, she competed at State her first three years of high school. During her senior year, the spring sports season (including track & field) was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, she did finish third in the 800 meters at the 2019 State meet. She took fourth at the 800 meters in the 2018 State meet.
“I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to coach Julia very much,” Wyss said. “As a freshman, she showed so much potential as a runner and competitor. Julia is one of the most goal-oriented people that I know, and she has an iron-will to match.”
