Commuting for Commitment: Prentice Sanders’ Journey from Lacey to O’Dea

By John Pokorny

SEATTLE - Prentice Sanders, a senior from Lacey, has spent the past four years making the daily commute to O’Dea High School in Seattle—a journey that demands dedication, discipline, and an early wake-up call each morning. A long-distance swimmer who also competes year-round with his club team, Prentice has balanced academics, high school swimming, and club commitments, all while traveling over an hour each way.  

But he knew it would would be worth it.

Sanders explains, “The opportunities afforded by the school and the networking that I could obtain by going to a school with a vast alumni network and people that live far away from myself.” 

Every day, Sanders wakes by five a.m. and is out the door by six, embarking on a commute that takes about an hour and twenty minutes. Despite the early mornings and long drive, he has learned to structure his days efficiently.

“The commute forces me to remain disciplined and structured so that I have time to balance school work, swimming, and maintaining friendships. My energy can greatly vary as well with the mixture of travel and activities,” he says.

Managing his schedule requires focus and careful use of every moment, whether for resting or catching up on schoolwork.

“By sticking to my schedule and using every bit of free time that I have to rest or complete things that I haven’t fully yet,” he explains, he is able to handle the demands of school and swimming together.  

Swimming has been a major part of Sander's high school experience. He has been a key member of the varsity swim team all four years and participates in club swimming year-round. Beyond training, the team has provided social and leadership opportunities.

“The team made it easier to connect with people and find friends, especially my freshman year when I knew next to no one. The team also helped to grow my leadership abilities as a swim team captain,” he stated.

The combination of high school and club swimming has allowed him to grow both as an athlete and a leader. 

Looking back, Sanders sees the commute is worth it.

“Definitely. Especially during winter sports season where there are finals, high school swim, and club swim going on. What helped to push me through it was encouragement and grace from my family as well as the friends I made at O’Dea,” he says. 

Sanders' journey from Lacey to Seattle stands as a testament to dedication and perseverance. Through long commutes, rigorous training, and packed schedules, he has gained not only athletic achievements but also valuable life lessons that will carry him into the future.