More than 5,000 miles separate Kailua-Kona from Worcester, Massachusetts. The two are divided by ocean and an entire continent, with different climates, cultures and time zones, but for Kealakehe senior Emily Munjar, Clark University in Worcester feels like home.
More than 5,000 miles separate Kailua-Kona from Worcester, Massachusetts. The two are divided by ocean and an entire continent, with different climates, cultures and time zones, but for Kealakehe senior Emily Munjar, Clark University in Worcester feels like home.
“There was definitely a different connection with Clark University than there was with other colleges,” said Munjar, who on Friday morning signed on to compete as a member of Clark University’s swimming and diving team. “I wanted a great community that is close and caring.”
In three high school seasons, Munjar was a three-time BIIF champion; she was a member of the Waveriders’ victorious 2019 and 2020 200-yard medley relay teams and claimed the 100-yard backstroke title at the 2018 meet. She’s also a two-time qualifier for the state swimming and diving championships, competing in four events – the 200-yard medley relay, 400-yard freestyle relay, 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke – her junior season. The suspension of Hawaii high school sports since March has prevented her from adding further accolades her senior year.
In the age of COVID, the recruiting process has undergone changes along with everything else. Munjar was fortunate to have visited eight schools in October of 2019, before the pandemic arrived.
“I actually started looking into colleges my sophomore year, just getting an idea of where I wanted to be,” said Munjar. “Once COVID hit, by that point I had narrowed it down to two schools.”
Munjar cited the coaching and tight-knit atmosphere on campus as deciding factors in choosing Clark University over the competition. Throughout the recruiting process, she maintained consistent contact with Clark University’s coaching staff, whose passion ultimately made the difference.
“The coach spent an hour and a half just talking and seeing who I was…I got a feel of who the coach was.” Munjar said of her October visit in Worcester. “You walked on campus and everybody was so welcoming. I just wanted to be there.”
Although she’s currently undecided about her future major, Munjar is leaning towards majoring in business at Clark University. For now, she’s thankful for those who have helped her reach this point.
“Just a really big thank you to my coaches and parents.”
