Finding Home on the Water and Beyond: Will's Dartmouth Story
June 2025 edition of the DCF student-produced vlog
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the Dartmouth College Fund’s student-produced vlog! In this video, Will ’27, a Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major and varsity sailing team member, shares his unique Dartmouth experience.
Will takes us through his lifelong passion for sailing and how joining the Dartmouth sailing team has shaped his college journey. From the thrill of national competitions to the close bonds formed with teammates, he provides an inside look at what being part of this varsity team means both on and off the water.
Beyond sailing, Will shares how Dartmouth has given him the chance to explore new passions and meet people from all over the world—making his college experience truly one of a kind.
Watch the full video to get to know Will and discover how his sailing adventures and academic pursuits intertwine to make his Dartmouth experience truly one of a kind.
Full Video Transcript
My name is Will Eggena. I am in the class of 2027. At Dartmouth, I am majoring in politics, philosophy, and economics. But I am also a member of the varsity sailing team here.
I started sailing when I was about seven years old at the local boat club. I started doing a lot of racing in little boats on my high school team when I got to high school, and then later on racing bigger boats as well.
Since I've joined the team, I've made my closest friends and I know pretty much every varsity team will say the same thing. But I do think we're one of the closest teams on campus.
Our team's been pretty competitive the last couple years. We're coming off a really great spring season with all top 10 finishes and a top three finish at Open Fleet Race Nationals.
So next year I think we're kind of carrying through those similar goals and looking to compete with some of the top teams in the country. And I think I can speak for everyone on the team when I say that we're all super excited for it.
At the end of every year, the coaches give out a set of awards for different aspects of what it means to be on the Dartmouth Sailing Team from results to taking care of our facilities. This year, I was lucky to be awarded the Unsung Hero Award, and this is given to the sailor that makes significant contributions to the team that sometimes go unnoticed.
Outside of sailing, Dartmouth has given me the opportunity to explore new passions, meet new people from all over the world, and just be immersed in an environment that really makes me want to learn and to grow.
I thank you for making my Dartmouth experience so far, one of a kind, and I look forward to being able to do it for another two years.