Sage Hill sophomore Courtney Conlogue is in Hawaii poised to dominate the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing.

"I always look forward to competitions, but it's also nice to be here and just hanging out at school," says Conlogue. It's the opportunity to keep up an academically rigorous program and enjoy a typical teenage social scene that means the most to this Sage Hill student.

"I feel lucky to even be here," says Courtney. "And just the way everybody treats me let's me know I'm more than just 'the surfer girl' ".

But for Courtney, Sage Hill makes it possible for her to balance her commitment to her sport with what she calls "real life". She says the Sage Hill emphasis on service learning is very important to her. "I grew up in Santa Ana, so I know people come from all kinds of situations, and I like the experience of really going in to the community to help and give some kids some extra attention."

As the surfing honors rack up, Conlogue's parents say they are increasingly appreciative of the community at Sage Hill.

Tracey Conlogue says that with her daughter's daunting competition and travel schedule, (See links!) she's often felt pressure to home school Courtney. "But I am just not qualified to do that," says Tracey Conlogue, "and that's not giving her a community. She really needs her friends and her whole life beyond her sport."

"And of course," says Conlogue "we are constantly reminding her once this is over, then what? You are always going to need the benefits of an excellent education."

Coming from Villa Middle School in Santa Ana, Conlogue says a savvy guidance counselor pointed the family to Sage Hill. "We struggle financially, but we were enlightened by the counselor who told us it is possible to reach for the stars for our kids," says Conlogue.

Courtney was awarded a partial scholarship to Sage Hill in 2007. She had attended a well-regarded public elementary and middle schools in Santa Ana, but the first year at Sage Hill was not always easy academically. Courtney found the transition to Sage Hill "eye opening", says Tracey Conlogue. But she says support was available throughout the year. "We have always been treated at Sage Hill like Courtney’s talent and her travel schedule was a plus—never a problem."

Courtney says the Sage Hill experience has introduced her to the idea that she's always learning. "I've found out here that the stuff I'm learning really isn't just in the classroom.
It's the whole day."

For Tracey Conlogue, it seems Sage Hill has been a perfect fit for her daughter. "We are fortunate. She is gifted. And, there is a lot of pressure on her and I worry about that," says Conlogue. "I am just like every parent. You never know if you are doing the right thing by your child and about a week after Courtney started at Sage she said to me, 'Mom, this is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made for me. I feel like I fit in' And I really think that’s because at Sage, she really is 'ust Courtney."

For more articles on Courtney Conlogue go to:
Sports Illustrated
ESPN Event Media
Surfline
PacSun Surf Team