Amalie Zucker, a remarkable student from the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), has set her sights on Harvard University. Zucker, who has only been sailing for two years, is ready to bring her talents to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, aiming to join the Harvard sailing team as a walk-on.
Born and raised on St. John, with her father hailing from St. Thomas and her mother from Germany, Amalie is excited yet nervous about moving to Massachusetts. She applied to several top schools, including Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Duke, but ultimately chose Harvard for its exceptional alumni network and opportunities. Although she anticipates the cold will be an adjustment, she is confident her two-hour daily commute to school has prepared her for college life.
Harvard recently won the open nationals, and Zucker is eager to contribute to their success. Her journey has not been without challenges; she wasn’t on the VIMSIA team during her first year due to a knee injury. In the fall of 2023, Zucker faced a new challenge when she sailed J70s for the first time, with only two days of training under the renowned Greiner Hobbs in Miami. However, her determination and resilience have led her to compete alongside sailors with years of experience.
Zucker’s leadership skills shine through her role as the captain of the VIMSIA sailing team and her work as the student media manager, handling the team’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. She has also interned with the National Park, where she coded an eco-tour with the Friends of the National Park organization. Her interest in coding started in the eighth grade and extends to cyber security, where she participated in CyberPatriot competitions.
Growing up in the Virgin Islands, particularly St. John, Zucker witnessed the detrimental changes to the reefs and oceans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This spurred her interest in environmental studies and policy, as she aims to preserve the natural beauty of her home.
At Harvard, Zucker plans to join various clubs, including journalism and activism groups, and engage in community service within Boston. She is also eager to participate in regattas and experience the vibrant school spirit.
Zucker credits her coach, Tyler Rice, for building a competitive team from the ground up and her sister, who was her skipper, for helping her master the 420 boats. Reflecting on her progress from crashing boats in her first year to becoming competitive in her second year, she believes the Harvard sailing team has great potential.
With her passion for sailing, commitment to environmental advocacy, and drive to succeed, Zucker is poised to make waves at Harvard and beyond.
