Turning down a free education at Yale University wasn't the easiest decision to make for Jes Vork, but the Cloquet senior went with her heart when choosing which college to attend.
Vork said late Monday that she has given an oral commitment to play soccer at the University of Minnesota next fall, turning down a similar scholarship offer from the prestigious Ivy League school to stay closer to her family.
"This decision was horribly difficult," Vork said in an e-mail to the News Tribune on Monday night. "I felt more comfortable at the 'U' than any of the other schools. I know I will be asked how I could turn down a Yale education. My answer is, 'My heart told me it didn't feel right.' "
Going to school in Minneapolis allows the 18-year-old Vork to stay closer to home. Yale is in New Haven, Conn.
"She really struggled with the choice," her father, Joe Vork, said from Hibbing on Tuesday. "Everyone she talked to said, 'How can you pass up Yale?'
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"But she's pretty much a homebody, and going away would be tough on her."
Vork said she "fell in love" with the Minnesota campus, facilities and the Gophers coaching staff. Her family being nearby was equally important.
"I am extremely close to my family and enjoy having them watch me participate in athletics," said Vork, who is sixth in a senior class of 186 students with a 4.03 grade-point average and recently was selected as the Region 7AA "AAA" award winner for excelling in academics, athletics and the arts.
Vork, who has played sweeper and striker in soccer, is a two-time All-State selection and helped the Lumberjacks to state-tournament appearances in 2006 and '07. She also plays basketball and owns school track records in the 200 and 400 meters, as well as having competed in the 800-meter relay and high jump at the state meet.
Vork, who was playing a basketball game in Hibbing on Tuesday and unavailable for further comment, said in her e-mail that she may participate in track at Minnesota. However, the difficulty faced in competing in soccer and track is one reason she gave for shying away from Yale.
"Obviously, the education at Yale would be second to none," she said. "However, participating in two Division I sports and maintaining academic excellence would be a very difficult task for the next four years."
Joe Vork said his daughter will study pharmacy at Minnesota.
Cloquet first-year coach Kari Bjorklund is confident her star pupil will do well with the Gophers.
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"It's going to be a whole different ballgame," she said. "But I think she'll hold her own just fine and make that transition fairly easily. She's confident with her skills and a great leader. And, as everyone knows, she's unbelievably fast.
"I'm so happy she decided to go to the 'U'. I think it was a very smart decision for her."
