Utah: the state equipped with large ski-able mountains, a city with a very salty lake and a hot spot for many Rosary Royals’ colleges of choice. More specifically, the University of Utah is a college notorious for its ability to recruit (or kidnap?) hundreds of SoCal high school students to attend their university; however, what is the appeal? There are no beaches, In-N-Out or Disneyland, so what is it that makes Utah such a magnet for our Rosary Royals? Is it the familiar school colors of red and white? Is it the large campus of brick and trees? Or did the Utes mascot, Swoop the Red Hawk, cast a brainwashing spell on our students to lure them into his nest? To answer these questions, the Royal Reporters sent a highly qualified representative (me, Mikayla Hayward ‘26) to scope out the campus and ask some Royals about their motivations.
Our first Utah commit, Ella Baroldi ‘26, is extremely excited to go to University of Utah and was one of the first Royals to commit. When asked about what sticks out to her about the university, Ella shares, “I chose U of U because I loved the campus and the area so much; I reached out to this girl on Insta, and now I have a roommate. We even started a Pinterest board for our room, but then I realized you have to commit to actually get a roommate and do the housing stuff, so I just committed.” Hmmm, so maybe it’s the dorm situation that is really exciting for our Royals. Because the Royal Reporters sent me to check out the campus (and I definitely didn’t just go to Utah to go skiing with my family), I can agree with Ella that the campus is beautiful with many different on campus parks, trees and grassy areas. Oh no, maybe I’m under Swoop the Red Hawks spell, too!
Next up on the list is Kensie Schley ‘26, a senior who believes that her calling to U of U was divine: “To be honest, I had another plan for myself as of college, but God had other plans for me; I think He will put me where I need to go. I do love the school spirit and how big it is. I also want to rush and do Greek life because that looks really fun.” Kensie, what a great way to look at it. It is important for all seniors to remember that any path in the future is a good path no matter where you go, you will soar like a bird. Maybe like a hawk. Maybe a Red Hawk. Maybe like Swoop.
Bringing it home is Olivia O’Day ’26, who celebrated her admission surrounded by family. Olivia shares, “It was such an easy choice to commit; I just love the whole vibe of the school and the people that go there. Also, people have good fashion there.” Ooooo, that’s a factor that I did not think about– maybe the Utes’ fashion sense is so good that it draws our Royals in. Although our skirts and polos are extremely stylish, Royals may want to express their nice outfits on a new campus.
Now, what you have all been waiting for… my top-secret report. After walking the campus and talking to some Utes, I do believe that it lives up to the hype. Although there is no beach or In-N-Out, the campus is truly beautiful and a great place for our Royals. Whether it’s the cult (I mean group) of Royals at University of Utah, or any school across America, us Royal Reporters cannot wait to see the seniors shine at whatever school calls their name. And who knows, maybe you will see me on the University of Utah campus next year; only time will tell!
