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By Carter Sweeney ‘27

Walk through the halls of Georgetown Prep and you might wonder if everyone has already figured out his proverbial lane. Athletes in one corner, musicians in another, theater guys down the hall, scholars in the library. It can feel like the lanes are already drawn and you're expected to pick one and stay in it.

I never really believed that.

For as long as I can remember, my life has been shaped by two worlds that do not typically get grouped together;  music and athletics have always existed side by side for me. Sometimes the balance of doing both has been challenging. It has meant early mornings, late nights coming home tired from sports and music practices, and a lot of juggling. I’ve also had some strange looks from my Strathmore orchestra-mates as I arrive at rehearsals all sweaty in my athletic gear after football or rugby practice. But being a musician-athlete has also shaped who I am more than anything else. When I came to Prep, I refused to choose between being an athlete versus a musician, because I did not want to limit who I could become.

I started playing violin and piano when I was very young. At age five, my mom encouraged my brother and I to take violin lessons from a Japanese sensei named Nobuko. She didn’t speak very much English, but I quickly became fascinated with music and playing along with her. I loved the process of getting better, developing my musicality, and learning new pieces. She told me I had good intonation, meaning I could hear when a note was slightly off pitch, a skill highly valued by violinists.

At the same time I was learning violin, I was also active in sports and loved flag football; however, I hadn’t encountered any violinists who were football players. Back in the States though, I took lessons from Dr. Pete, a Marine who played in the Marine band. He was a big, strong guy with the discipline of a Marine but also deeply devoted to music. Seeing him showed me that you did not have to fit into one category, that you could be an athletic guy while also pursuing the arts. His example stayed with me and gave me confidence that I could follow my interests without feeling like I had to give one up.

Over the years, music became something more than just an extracurricular activity; it shaped my identity and also helped me emotionally, especially when our family moved a lot. No matter what was happening around me, if I had a bad day or was bored or frustrated, I could always turn to playing music to lift my spirits. Playing music allowed me to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for others as well. 

When I came to Georgetown Prep as a freshman, I was eager to play football and continue my music which I enjoyed in middle school. Prep made that possible. The culture at Prep encourages students to be well rounded and to take advantage of every opportunity available.

As a freshman, I participated in the Prep football summer camp and loved being a part of the team, and it was a great way to make friends. I also joined Prep Singers and the Strings Ensemble as concertmaster.  Being concertmaster means more than just playing first chair violin, it involves leading the orchestra, setting the tone, and keeping everyone together musically; that responsibility has taught me leadership in a different way than sports does but just as powerfully.  Strings Ensemble also gave me the opportunity to serve others, including performing for elderly nursing home residents who truly appreciated our music and the joy and comfort that it brought them. I also played at weddings at Prep with Mr. Asher. Those moments showed me that music can connect people and create lasting memories. Even as my schedule has become busier in junior year, I hope to continue sharing music with others whenever I can.

One of my favorite experiences at Prep came during my sophomore year when I decided to audition for the school musical, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. I had never been in a musical before but often enjoyed singing on my own to artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra; sometimes in the shower. Still, auditioning for a musical was outside my comfort zone. I felt some pressure to stay focused only on sports but decided to try something new. To my surprise, I was cast as the Elvis-style Pharaoh. It was a fun character to play, and I had an incredible time performing even though it was hard to balance that with rugby. But that experience reinforced something I already believed: you do not have to choose just one identity. You can be an athlete and perform on stage. In fact, doing both can make you a stronger and more confident person.

Athletics at Prep have shaped me just as much as music. I play football as a fullback and middle linebacker and rugby as an outside center. Being part of a team has taught me discipline, resilience, and brotherhood. Coaches and teammates have pushed me to work hard even when I was tired or discouraged. Coach Paro and others have emphasized the importance of commitment and teamwork. You learn to push through adversity and support your teammates no matter what. That mentality carries over into every other part of life.

Going to the gym and training regularly has also been important for my mental focus. Staying active helps me stay centered and confident. The gym at Prep is not just a place to train physically but is also a place to build friendships and learn from older students who are willing to help you improve. Whether it is on the field, in the weight room, or in rehearsal, you are constantly learning from the people around you.

At Georgetown Prep, we often talk about cura personalis, the Jesuit value of caring for the whole person. For me, that idea is best lived out by staying involved in both the arts and athletics. Music develops creativity, expression, and emotional depth. Athletics develops discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Together they help form a balanced person. They train the mind, the body, and the spirit. When you invest in those areas, you grow not just as a student but as a person.

Looking ahead, I hope to study engineering and pursue a career as a Navy pilot. At the same time, I know that music will always be part of my life even if it is not my profession. My experiences at Prep have shown me that you do not have to limit yourself to one path. There are many ways to combine your passions and build a meaningful life.

If there is one message I would share with younger students and incoming freshmen, it is this: Do not be afraid to try something new. Join a sport, even if you have never played it before. Pick up an instrument even if you think you are not good at music. Audition for the play or musical. Use the studio. Spend time in the music room after school jamming out on the guitar with your buddies and learn from others. Georgetown Prep offers opportunities that you may not have again after high school. Take advantage of them while you can.

The most well rounded students are often the ones willing to step outside their comfort zones. They are the ones who explore different interests and discover talents they did not know they had. Being involved in multiple activities does not make you less focused; it makes you more complete. It was not always easy for me to manage everything, but I learned that being involved in multiple activities teaches you discipline and gives you more energy and purpose.

I never wanted to choose between the arts and athletics because both have shaped who I am. Music has given me creativity and emotional connection. Sports have given me strength, discipline, and teamwork. Georgetown Prep has given me the chance to pursue both without limits. For that, I am grateful.