U-M Student-Athlete Spotlight: Sarah Mehlman
3/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
March 27, 2015
On Jan. 28, U-M added five student-athletes to its third recruiting class, bringing the class to 14 players. The additional five players will now be featured in a student-athlete spotlight, breaking down the future Wolverines, on and off the field. [ Release ]
Sarah Mehlman is a three-time varsity letter winner (2012-14) and will enter her final season at Scarsdale High School (Scarsdale, New York) this spring with 106 varsity goals and 37 assists.
As a junior, she led Scarsdale to the Section 1 semifinals for the second straight season. Following the season, she was named an All-Section and All-League honoree. She was second on the team in goals with 57, which helped her surpass the 100-goal milestone in her career. The right-handed midi also scored a career-high seven goals in one game during her junior season.
As a sophomore in 2013, Mehlman helped Scarsdale win the league title and advance to the Section 1 semifinals with an overall team record of 13-3-2. After finishing the season as Scarsdale's second-leading scorer with 44 goals, she received All-Section and All-League accolades for her efforts. Mehlman was also a member of the WDNT Hudson Valley Region National Team.
In 2012, she helped her team earn an 11-6-1 overall record and advance to the Section 1 quarterfinals. Following the season, she was presented with the team's Most Improved Player Award.
Mehlman competed for Westchester Elite club team. In addition to lacrosse, she played three years of varsity field hockey, where she a two-time all-league selection. She also competed in one year of varsity track, where she was an all-league recipient.
Off the field, Mehlman is a four-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete and high honors student. Her parents, Jonathan and Marla Mehlman, both attended the University of Michigan.
ACCORDING TO SARAH
![]() | Sarah Mehlman Midfield Scarsdale, N.Y. Scarsdale High School |
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
"Attending the University of Michigan has always been a dream of mine. Carrying on the tradition of my parents, relatives, and grandparents is an honor and privilege that I look forward to during my four years in Ann Arbor. The balance of world-class academics and superior athletics perfectly meet my personal values and the criteria I desire in a university. Additionally, the overwhelming spirit and sense of community, despite the large size, foster an environment that feels like a home away from home."
What are your thoughts about continuing to help Michigan build its women's lacrosse program?
"Michigan was the only program where I knew I could indefinitely leave a legacy. To be a part of a lacrosse program from its inception at a university with a reputation such as Michigan's is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The program is going to become one of the best in the Big Ten and the nation. I want to say in 20 years when I look back on college that I contributed to the success and foundation of Michigan women's lacrosse. This program is the start of something truly special."
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
"What isn't there to like! I love that Ann Arbor is constantly evolving. There is always something new to experience and embrace. Everyone constantly says that when you fall in love with a school or place, you have a 'gut-feeling ' -- I have that sensation when I am on campus, running down the tunnel into the Big House, or eating at Zingerman's Deli. Watching students walk down State Street screaming 'GO BLUE' is an emotion one simply cannot find at another school in the country."
What is your favorite lacrosse moment of all-time?
"My favorite lacrosse moment of all-time was scoring my 100th goal last season. It was a feat I had been waiting to achieve since freshman year, so when I went into the game five goals short, I knew I had to get the ball and continue to score. When I finally hit 100, I was surrounded by my teammates with hugs, excitement and congratulations."
How did you first get involved in lacrosse?
"My elementary school P.E. teacher was the head of the girls youth program in Scarsdale. I played many sports when I was younger and she encouraged me to try out the program. At first I did not especially like lacrosse, but as I attended more clinics, I eventually became more comfortable. I fell in love with it immediately after and never looked back."
Do you have any talents or hobbies that you're willing to share?
"I love to draw and starting taking art classes in Kindergarten. Recently, I started a mini-business creating hand-drawn customized Vans with college and camp themes. It is not only a fun hobby for me, but I am also learning how to assemble a comprehensive business plan, negotiate with people, and meet deadlines."
Who is your role model, and why?
"My biggest role models are by far my Mom and Dad. I admire them in every way, shape, and form. They have inspired me to push myself to new limits and their personal strength, creativity, and intellect is infectious. I am fortunate to have supportive, motivating, and driven parents who care deeply about my success."
What do you enjoy doing when you're not playing lacrosse?
"I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am an avid fashion follower, love to spin, run, ski, read, and cook whenever possible."
Favorite food ... Anything homemade
Favorite band/artist ... The Fray
Favorite movie ... Step Brothers or The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite TV show ... Gossip Girl
Favorite book ... All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Favorite subject/class taken ... Government/Any History Class
Favorite professional athlete ... Tom Brady
Favorite place to visit/vacation ... Paris, France and Nantucket, Mass.
Favorite sport besides lacrosse ... Field Hockey
Favorite holiday ... Thanksgiving
Previous Spotlight: Alli Kothari