Rachel Spilker can’t remember a time when she wasn’t playing a sport. For Spilker and her three siblings, playing sports has always been a family affair, and they’ve always kept their parents busy with a full schedule of practices and games. It’s clear that lacrosse has become the family favorite, and now, the Spilker name and lacrosse seem somewhat synonymous..
Spilker’s older brother, Logan, plays midfield for the Naval Academy (c/o 2021), while her sister, Erika, a defender, captained Penn State for three years.
Rachel, a senior at Severna Park, has played for the Falcons’ varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year, and served as captain last spring. She recently finished her final season with Maryland United Club Lacrosse team, where she has played since fifth grade.
“Rachel is such a hardworking, determined, relentless player who is always giving her best effort on the field,” Severna Park’s Girls Lacrosse Coach Kaitlyn Fuller says. “Her teammates rely on her abilities, positive attitude, and leadership.”
It didn’t take long for Spilker to gain the attention of college recruiters, and she began to seriously consider her options. When it came down to Penn State and Yale, Spilker knew exactly where she wanted to go. She verbally committed to Penn State for a lacrosse scholarship in the fall of her sophomore year, and signed a National Letter of Intent this past November.
“I talked to some other schools, and there were many that I was interested in,” says Spilker, who plays midfield. “But when it came down to it, I knew Penn State was the right place for me.”
After spending so many years watching her sister play for the Nittany Lions, Happy Valley already feels like a home away from home for 17-year-old Spilker. She began to get to know the program through her sister’s involvement, which made her decision to commit that much easier.
“It’s a bit stressful going into it, living up to [my sister’s] name,” Spilker admits. “But it’s also comforting to know she went through the same thing. She’s always been a big supporter of me, and that’s something that means a lot.”
Though lacrosse is a huge part of Spilker’s life, she’s made it clear that it isn’t her only priority. She plays on both the Severna Park varsity soccer and basketball teams, and captained her basketball team last season. The 5-foot-8 point guard helped the Falcons’ basketball team to an 18-9 record and the Class 4A regional championship game appearance.
“This past year, we had a very young team as all five starters had graduated the previous year,” Severna Park’s Girls Basketball Coach Kristofer Dean says. “We put a lot on Rachel’s shoulders, and she responded better than we could have imagined. I do not think there is a player that works harder than she does on the floor.”
Spilker is also a member of her high school’s Leadership Institute, one of the school’s signature programs. Students involved in the program participate in service projects that benefit local charities and organizations. This past summer and fall, Spilker, along with other members of the group, raised money and collected supplies for a school in need.
Despite her busy athletic schedule, she still makes her school work a top priority. Spilker has a weighted grade point average of 4.43. She’s taken honor courses throughout high school, has taken a total of six advanced placement courses, and has been a top scholar athlete every season.
“I really like to challenge myself in school,” Spilker says. “I just think it’s really important. [My schedule] can get a little bit chaotic, but in a way, I feel like that’s a good thing because it keeps me in a routine and on top of things.”
Though Spilker isn’t sure what she’ll study in college yet, she’s looking forward to playing lacrosse, which starts in the fall with practices and scrimmages. The First Team All-County pick credits her high school coaches for her development.
“My coaches played a super big role in me sticking with sports for so long, and wanting to play in college,” Spilker says. “Even when I’ve doubted myself and my abilities, their support has always motivated me.”
