Anja Robertson ’26 is an alpine Ski Racer from Queensbury, NY. This is her third year at Northwood, and she is excited for the year ahead academically and athletically.

Anja was born in Kazakhstan and came to America when she was one month old. As a kid, Anja played lacrosse, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, and skiing. As skiing is now her primary sport, she focuses all her time training for the ski season during the summer and her free time. Anja started skiing at Willard Mountain when she was two and started racing at West Mountain when she was seven.

Anja spent her entire racing career at West Mountain until 10th grade, when she came to Northwood. Coming to Northwood was a big change for her, as it was her first boarding school and meant living away from her parents, friends, and pets. Anja has really enjoyed her time here and says this year will be the best. Anja likes to run around the lake for exercise, in addition to our dryland workouts. Anja is one of the hardest-working people on the ski team and is seen as a leader among the girls.

When looking back on her Northwood time, Anja had one positive thing to say about each year. “Mountain Day had been my favorite day of each year because it gives a time for me to meet new people, and everyone is bonding because we are all tired from hiking and pushing each other,” she said. “It is nice way to make a couple new friends at the beginning of the year,” she added.

She also thought about teachers and coaches over the years who have impacted her. “Raychel [West] has left the biggest impact on me over my three years because she always holds everyone accountable and always reaches out to see if we need anything from her or if she can help, and it always makes me feel like I have someone always willing to help,” Anja said.

She will be ending her chapter this year at Northwood and not sure where her new chapter is going to begin but wants to go to a D1 ski university and study business!

“I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and that is where I have grown up my entire life, but my dad’s side of the family is from Iowa. I found out about Northwood through a prep school advisor and a few friends. When I came to visit Northwood late in the school year, I remember walking through the 2nd East lounge and seeing the entire Prep team watching a hockey game together. They really looked like a family, and I felt I wanted to be part of it. It was one of my main reasons for choosing Northwood.

“What I have enjoyed the most about Northwood is the community and the people. I have made lifelong friends here. It’s truly a special place where you can live, go to school, and play hockey with your best friends.

“When I leave Northwood, I want to be remembered as a great community member who puts smiles on people’s faces and makes people feel good. Also, I want to be remembered as someone who does the right things consistently and leads by example.

“I’m going to miss the people the most. The people here have made my experience incredible. There are so many people from different backgrounds and stories that make this place great. Like I said, I have made lifelong friends here.”

“After I graduate, I hope to continue my hockey journey. I want to go play juniors, and then play college, and then play professionally. Northwood has really helped my physical and mental development, enabling me to achieve my goal of playing hockey at a very high level.

As told to Parker Thompson ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“My biggest fear as a kid? Spiders. Still afraid of them to this day.

“I started playing soccer because of my brother. When I was a little boy, he started playing soccer before I could walk or talk, so I started playing it after him when I was old enough. I have played other sports—I played basketball in fifth grade. And you know, the person who has the biggest influence on me at Northwood is definitely Coach Moodey. He gives really good lessons and really pushes me to be a better person every day.  My biggest worry coming to Northwood? Honestly, just not being able to fit in.”

As told to Colten Murphy ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“Hmm, who has had the biggest impact on me at Northwood? I’d say you, Noah. You’ve combined your humor and humility with mine, and I feel like, since I arrived at Northwood, we have just connected. We have created a bond that I’ll remember for life. You’ve taught me lessons and served as an older figure to me, and it has helped me grow as a person at Northwood. So yeah, I would say, to you.

“If I were a country, I would definitely be something in the Caribbean, because I feel like it kind of shows my isolationism to the world.  Genuinely, because I’m kind of alone, but then if you like get to know me, then like, it’s a lot better. I feel like I have a small group of people who know me well, but I’m rather isolated from the rest, just like the Caribbean Islands. Anyone who goes there loves it, but it takes some time to get there, so often people don’t make the trip. So, like a little island, everyone goes there, but like, I’m still kind of away from the world.

“If there were a soundtrack for my life, it’d be the song ‘No Flockin,’ by Kodak Black. I think that song just represents my life in the way that I relate to Kodak, and you know, respect his values and how he goes about what he does, so yeah, I have a lot of respect for him. He has remained true to himself and never changed despite being one of the biggest artists in the U.S, and those are values that I really connect with on a deeper level.

“Where have I had the best memories here in Northwood? Tough to pick any spot out of so many, but I’ll give you two: I’d say my room or the Northwood soccer field, obviously. A lot of great memories come from the soccer field. It’s where a lot of my bonds that I’ve built at Northwood started. I’ve spent hundreds of hours out there training and just hanging out, and it’s probably the place I associate with Northwood the most. Then, just going back to my bedroom, that’s where there are a lot of talks, a lot of conversations that I’ll never forget, especially that first year in Berg. I made so many friends that I’ll never forget, and that thought always brings me back to my room. A lot of that happens there, and that’s where good friends become great ones.

“Something I will definitely keep with me as I continue on in life is the school’s focus on integrity. It’s a huge part of Northwood. I think Northwood taught me about hard work and about using your support network to help you find success. When I first showed up, I had never been to an extra help session or anything of the sort, and with the help of my peers and teachers, I really flourished. Long story short, Northwood taught me how to be independent.”

As told to Noah Moodey ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“At 8 years old, I watched my first ever hockey game with my local hockey team, and ever since, I fell in love with the sport of hockey, and it changed my life for the better.

“Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, whether that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“I transferred to Northwood because it was a great opportunity for me to further my skills in hockey and academics. Being from the UK, hockey is not a big sport, and the competitive leagues weren’t great. I found out about Northwood through Sam Lyne ’24, and it amazed me to see what it offered, with a great academic and hockey program. It was definitely up my alley.

“The best thing about Northwood is the community because everybody is treated like family, and everyone looks out for each other. My first year, I was nervous, then in a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community with open arms, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“Staying at a school like Northwood is great because you get an amazing town like Lake Placid, New York, with a lot of history and places to see in a small town. Lake Placid offers some things I really enjoy besides hockey: golf and skiing. Golfing in the spring and summer is amazing. The great Adirondack Mountains in the background are something to see, with the amazing courses, and being with friends while golfing is one of the best times at Northwood. As for skiing, in the winter, people get to ski on the fifth-highest peak in the state, Whiteface, and skiing down with the boys is a time to remember.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that it was the best two years of my life, and I am proud to have Northwood as my second home. I am thankful for Northwood setting me up for the future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“This is my 2^nd year at Northwood. I was born in Montreal, and now I live in Saint-Anicet, Canada. I like living there, and it’s a very fun place to live. I have a lot of friends who live in my hometown. I neither like nor dislike Northwood, though I found public school more appealing, but Northwood does the job; it gets the job done. I made a lot of new friends during my time at Northwood as well.

“Northwood has taught me a bunch about living in a new environment, meeting people around the world, and how to live within a community, as well as doing freestyle skiing, training 5-7 days a week, and having a great coach.

“I am hoping after high school to head to University in Canada and figure out what I am passionate about. At the end of the school year, I will be happy to graduate and head off to university.

“Right now, I like to ski, hang out with friends, work out, and work during the summers. The school feels free compared to Canada as well, in terms of assignments and the nature and scenery within the Adirondacks.

“As time goes on, I will be applying to universities and getting accepted. Then I will say goodbye to everyone I met at Northwood after graduating. That sums up my time at Northwood.”

As told to Nate Benjamin ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I’m from Syosset, New York, which is about five and a half hours away from here. I played hockey for the North Jersey Avalanche before. I chose to come to Northwood because of the great hockey program, while also being very good academically.

“My favourite part about Northwood has to be the fun weekend activities. I like hanging out with my new friends and meeting new people throughout the school.

“My favorite artist has to be Zach Bryan. I went to his concert at MetLife, and it was the best thing I have ever seen.

“After I graduate from Northwood, I want to play junior hockey before hopefully playing D1 hockey in college, where I’d like to pursue a degree in economics and then attend law school and become a corporate lawyer.

“My favorite Northwood memory so far definitely is the Pink the Rink game. The whole school was there, and it made the atmosphere very energetic. I loved playing in front of everyone and getting a big win. I also liked all the setup for all the pink stuff throughout the rink, like the posters.

“The best advice I’d have to give is “be where your feet are.” Meaning live in the present and don’t focus on future things. Focus on where you are now, as this time being a senior is very special, and you only get to do it once.”

As told to Owen MacLean ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I’m a hooper. I would play Basketball if I weren’t playing football. Growing up, there’s always been a hoop next to my house that my brother and I would go play on – It’s not a very popular sport in Brazil, but I’ve grown up playing it and I enjoy it a lot. What position would I play? I’d be a shooting guard. In terms of who my team is, I would consider myself a Warriors fan.

“My piece of advice is I would say to never quit – to always believe in yourself. A lot of people say it, but it’s true. If you’re consistent with your values, if you trust yourself and keep pushing hard, someday you’re gonna make it.

“My favorite football (soccer) club in the world is Sao Paulo. It is where I’m from, so obviously I support them. They are the best team in Brazil; they’ve won the most titles. What I most appreciate about them is that they are a team with no star players, but just humble guys who’ve worked their way to success, sort of like our U19s.

“How many 4-year-olds would it take to tackle me to the ground? Mmmmmm, I’d say 30 probably. If the situation were that they were all coming at once, 30 would be too many for me to fight off, and they would eventually pile onto me.

“Something about Brazil that I like a lot more than in the US is some of the food. Back home, the food is better. Specifically, there is a dish called Feijoada; it’s a typical food that’s like rice, beans, and pork.

“If I were to be an animal, I’d be a pigeon. It sounds weird, but I’d like to fly.”

As told to Gavin Kruger. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I am from Ivanovo, Russia, but have lived in Charlottetown, PEI, Canada, and Allendale, New Jersey. I came to Northwood wanting to try something new in terms of hockey and school. Having billeted last season, I was familiar with the experience of living away from home, but not in a dorm situation. Northwood seemed like the best option for me in terms of hockey, school, and community.

“I am absolutely loving it so far! The guys are great, the teachers are really nice, and so are the coaches. Everybody is trying to make sure that you are on the same page as them in terms of development and make sure that everyone is having a lot of fun, so I think that is the most important.

“I got lucky with my roommate. He’s always been nice to me and helped put a smile on my face every day. The hockey guys are awesome as well. I look forward to spending every day with them, and they are already starting to feel like my family.

“Outside of hockey, I really enjoy calling my girlfriend, family, and playing Teqball with the boys. Northwood has a lot to offer beyond hockey, so I am trying to take full advantage of it all. The positive impact that Northwood has had on me has been huge. I am trying to get better as a hockey player, as a student, and as a friend every day, and Northwood has been a huge part of my development of those skills. I am learning so many new things and just trying to be the best guy I can be.

“My favorite thing about Northwood is the community. I have made so many friends so far, and I know that these relationships will continue to be built throughout the year and last after Northwood.”

As told to Andrew Sherland ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I spent my first year of high school at GMVS, which is a ski academy in Vermont. The school wasn’t the right fit for me. Switching to Northwood was the best decision I made.

“I am from Saratoga Springs, New York. I love skiing and golf. I am on the Northwood NYSEF Ski Team, and this is my third year at Northwood. I first heard of Northwood through NYSEF winter term in 8^th grade.

“I enjoy going into town or golfing with my friends on the weekends. I played varsity golf and baseball in 8^th grade. My whole life has been sports-oriented, but I hope to be a successful businessman when I’m older. I plan to take ski racing into college. When I was younger, baseball was my calling, but as I got older, skiing took over my life.

“Something people don’t know about me is that I love cars. My favorite car is a Porsche GT3RS fully spec’d out. I also spend a lot of time traveling for skiing and on family trips, so time at home is cherished, as I am usually at Northwood if not traveling. During my time at home, I enjoy training in the gym, hanging out with friends, being on the lake, and golfing.

“I hope to leave a good impression on everyone. Starting out at Northwood as a 15-year-old little kid, I look back at my time and can reflect on the growth I have had as a student and person. Instead of running around the Berg halls too late at night, I now set the best example I can of an overall well-rounded person for the younger kids here.

“I am looking forward to being able to ring the bell 3 hard times at graduation.”

As told to Yosef Spear ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.