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by Sheri Duff

Anika Ades is prepared for her future. Interested in colleges with strong international programs in or near a city, Ades has already been accepted by early decision to Tufts University in Boston, Mass. No more SATs, no more worrying, no more decisions; all that is left is the wait to walk through the doors to a seamless match between college and student-athlete.

The youngest of three children, Ades was born on June 1, 1992, to parents Debra and Phillip. Her family also includes older siblings Becca and Jimmy, 25 and 24 respectively, and their dog Cosmo. Yes, that's Cosmo as in Cosmo Kramer of Seinfeld fame. Ades attended the Shelburne Community Schooland will graduate from Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) as a member of the Class of 2010.

A four-year varsity Nordic skier for CVU, Ades explains her foray into cross country skiing, "I have been cross country skiing since I was a little girl. But I didn't start Nordic ski racing until my freshman year at CVU." Not one to talk about her athletic successes, Ades leaves that discussion for others. CVU Assistant Nordic Ski Coach MacKenzie MacHarg is happy to oblige, "Anika has been a dedicated skier for all four years of her high school career. She has been a consistent top skier for the team and will be competing on the states team for classical and skating techniques this season. She has developed tremendously as a skier and is a role model for her peers and fellow athletes."

Ades admits to a non-superstitious and focused race ritual. "I usually go out for a warm up and then listen to a pep talk from one of the coaches. After that I'm ready to go," she declared.

Competition to be named to the state team at CVU is stiff. A combination of results and effort helps the coaching staff name the team whereby only the top eight boys and top eight girls can ski in the races. Ades has already been named to the states team where she will compete on Friday, Feb. 26 in classic (her preferred event) and Monday, March 1 in freestyle.

Not only does this 17-year-old enjoy snowboarding, photography, and reading for fun, she is a three-year varsity cross country runner, will play ultimate Frisbee for a second year this spring, and is involved in the Environmental Action Club. An avid reader, it will probably come as no surprise that Ades favorite class is AP English Composition. Although writing is a major component of the class, it also includes reading a lot of classical literature. "We just finished reading a collection of William Shakespeare's poetry," she states, "It may not be for everyone but I really like the class."

So much for senioritis. It would seem that Ades is not about to give up studying even if it is her last semester of her senior year. In fact, this stellar student-athlete considers her greatest achievement to date the very one we started with - her acceptance to Tufts.