Koffman Signs with Stanford: State's Best Discus Thrower Headed West



Koffman Signs with Stanford: State's Best Discus Thrower Headed West

      The Maine state all-time record holder in the discus will be attending Stanford University next fall. We sent Jake a few questions after we learned of his commitment to find out what the process was like and why he ultimately choose Stanford to continue his academic & athletic career.


When did colleges really start expressing interest? Was there a meet that really catapulted the process?
I reached out to a bunch of colleges that I was interested in my sophomore year, but heard back with mixed results. At that point I was an inconsistent mid 150's thrower. It wasn't until the first couple of meets my junior year, where I was consistently throwing in the mid 170's and 180's, that colleges began to really express interest. 


What schools did you visit/consider?
I took my official visits to University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and University of Washington. 


In the end you picked the Cardinal. What was it that sold you on Stanford?
I visited Stanford last year with my mom, going on a tour of the campus and briefly meeting some of the athletes. I had a feeling that Stanford was where I wanted to be: the weather is fantastic, the architecture is beautiful, the people are nice. Yet at the other colleges I visited I had similar experiences (although nothing can compare to 70ยบ and sunny year round). I was truly sold on Stanford during my official visit. I loved the coach from the first moment I met him, driving down the highway bumping to Kanye and making genuine conversation without even a hint of awkwardness. The major that I'm interested in, Product Design, is not offered anywhere else, and the entrepreneurial feel, flexible course load, and facilities are second to none. There were multiple fueling stations for athletes where you could grab a bite to eat or a shake before or after your workout, or while running to class. As a thrower, this access to food is of great importance. Finally, the team was incredible. The athletes fit the laid back, chill, West Coast stereotype. I was surrounded by All-American's and National Champions, yet I would never have known it from their humble disposition.




A lot of the schools you looked at were very strong academic institutions as well. How important was that balance of being a true student-athlete?
The balance between athletics and academics is very important to me. While track and field is fun and a large part of my life, I know that at some point it must end and my professional life must begin. The reputation of the school is not what entices me, but rather the people that I'll meet there. They are socially and geographically diverse, intellectually curious, passionate about their own unique interests, and willing to have a conversation over anything. The individuality of the people attending the schools that I looked at, as well as the school's devotion to academics and athletics, blew me away. 

Why the decision to commit now?
Senior year is very busy and stressful and I wanted to be sure of the college that I am attending as soon as possible. I began the college search process pretty early in my sophomore year, so by the time senior fall rolled around I was ready to make my decision. I was confident in my choice and saw no reason to procrastinate. 

What are the goals for your senior track season?
My quantitative goals for senior year are to break 210' in discus and 63' in shot put and receive All-American status in discus. On a less intense note, perhaps my most important goal is to steal the New England Shot Put title from Austin Lufkin. If nothing else, these bragging rights will make my season a success. 




What are you looking forward to most about the college experience and being a Cardinal?
From an athletic viewpoint, I am most excited about training with people as motivated as I am on a daily basis. From a social viewpoint, I cannot wait for the freedom of expression and development of character that occurs as one makes new friends and experiences new things.

Lastly, is there anyone you'd like thank for helping you get to where you are today?
There are many people to whom I owe thanks. First and foremost I must thank my parents, who have shipped me all over the U.S., provided endless support, and have yet to miss a track meet. Secondly, my sister deserves recognition, who is now skiing for Harvard, for it was she who showed me how hard one must work to be elite; I have never met anyone whose work ethic can remotely rival hers. Special thanks go to Dan Guiliani, who has redefined Maine throwing and the limit of possibility; Adam Lufkin, who was the giant hero to my tiny ninth grade self; Austin Lufkin, Adam's not-so-little brother, who has been my stiffest competition and close friend since eight grade; and Curtis McLeod and Eric Hathaway, whom I could always count on for a great competition. Finally, head coach Chris Libby has taught me the value of team and support in a sport that often feels individual, and throws coach Lin White has been the most understanding, fun, flexible and willing-to-adapt coach that I could ask for. He paved the way for my throwing success and has made me into not just the thrower, but the man, that I am today.


By The Numbers (Personal Bests)

  • Discus - 189-9
  • Javelin - 156-11
  • Shot Put - 52-3.5

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