Nicholas Hull

A National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a document used to indicate a student athlete’s commitment to participating in National Collegiate Athletic Association colleges and universities in the United States.

Beginning in November, senior athletes can set their commitments in stone by signing National Letters of Intent (NLI) with colleges. One athlete who has signed her NLI is Maeve DeYoung, senior.

DeYoung is a competitive swimmer for both the high school team and the Lake Oswego Swim Club. She signed her commitment to the University of Missouri on Nov. 8.

“I took a trip there in the fall of 2022 and I just love the team and I love the coaches,” DeYoung said. “Ever since I was little, my dream was to swim in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and Missouri is in the SEC and I’m just very excited to be able to go there and achieve my dream.”

Missouri was not DeYoung’s only potential choice, though. She took three recruiting trips, visiting the University of Georgia, the University of Minnesota, and Missouri.

“I think Missouri just had everything I wanted. Georgia was a really nice school too, but there were some things missing that Missouri had that [Georgia] didn’t have,” DeYoung said. “I’m excited to experience a new state and new weather and that sort of stuff. I think the idea of getting a fresh start sounds cool too and just meeting new people in a completely new place.”

DeYoung is the state champion of the 100 yard backstroke and was named the Female Swimmer of the Meet at state. She also holds two school records, one in the 100 yard backstroke and the other in the 100 yard butterfly. One factor that helped lead to those accomplishments was outside support.

“My teammates and my coaches [have helped me]. I’ve been with them since I was six years old, so it’s been 11 years now,” DeYoung said. “The amount of times [my mom has] had to drive me to 5:30 morning practices is crazy, and I have so much respect for her sticking through that with me. It’s definitely hard being a student-athlete and having to balance athletics and academics. I think just tons of support through teachers and trying to stay on top of my work is how I set myself up for success.”

College can be a new chapter that involves leaving high school behind. Although DeYoung is not quite there yet, part of leaving is remembering some of the highlights from high school.

“Winning state was a big memory and it was very exciting,” DeYoung said. “My first high school meet was an interesting experience because mainly, I’m a club swimmer. High school swim [team] is very different and going to that first meet was just an eye-opener.” 

Finishing senior year strong is another thing on DeYoung’s to-do list for high school before leaving for college.

“I’m excited to go to Prom and Winter Formal, and for my senior season of swimming,” DeYoung said. “I’m hoping to win state at least in the 100 back and maybe the 100 fly if I can. It’s going to be tight.”