Who’s Van?

Van Lindelof is a dynamic and driven student-athlete with a deep passion for leadership, politics, and public service. He is set to attend Vanderbilt University in the fall.

As Captain of Windward Cross Country in 2023 and 2024, Van has demonstrated exceptional commitment, leading his teammates not only in competition—where he posted top-tier times—but also in team-building, strategic planning, and mentorship. His athletic leadership extends into the classroom through his involvement with SALT, an invitation-only leadership program for elite athletes that emphasizes conflict resolution and collaboration.

Equally invested in civic engagement, Van has taken initiative as the founder and co-president of his high school’s Politics Club, creating a space for students to discuss current events and global issues. His interest in government and public policy is further evidenced by his immersive internships with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Adam Schiff’s campaign, where he supported policy research, media strategy, and daily operations. These experiences were bolstered by his participation in Georgetown’s American Politics Academy and shadowing prominent figures in Washington D.C., including Congresswoman Katie Porter and a D.C. Superior Court judge.

Van is also deeply engaged in community service and global citizenship. He has spent years volunteering with the Hollywood Food Coalition, tutoring early readers in South Central LA, and participating in a service-learning trip in Costa Rica where he helped build sustainable infrastructure in underserved communities—all while using his Spanish fluency to bridge language gaps. Whether diving shipwrecks in Egypt, organizing student tours at Windward School, or categorizing legal documents at the Center for Reproductive Rights, Van approaches every opportunity with curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose.

With honors such as Cum Laude and the Global Seal of Biliteracy, Van embodies the qualities of a thoughtful leader and global thinker ready to make meaningful contributions to the world.