“Aspiring to Excellence Is a Way of Life”

Linoy Geva is an outstanding example of multidisciplinary excellence, demonstrated both in professional sports and in her studies in two excellence programs at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Before beginning her studies there, Geva was part of Israel’s Olympic windsurfing team. Throughout her athletic career, she achieved numerous accomplishments, including three Israeli youth championship titles, under-17 World and European Champion, and under-19 World Champion in the RSX class (the previous Olympic class).

Beyond her athletic achievements, Geva also stands out in the academic path she has chosen at the Technion. Her sports career, defined by discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, shaped her worldview and inspired her to adopt a similar approach to her academic work. Linoy is part of “Lapidim,” the excellence program of the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science, as well as the entrepreneurial leadership program “Schulich Leaders.” “And still,” she said, “there is always room for my love of the sea, and I’m not giving up on the Technion sailing team.”

When she retired from competitive sports, she knew academic studies would be her next goal, something that came as no surprise to those around her. “I was never satisfied with final answers; I always asked why and how. I wanted to understand the scientific and technological background of the phenomena we encounter every day, and to be able to create things by myself. Studying computer science at the Technion opened new areas of interest for me.”

The abrupt transition from sports to academic life was challenging. “When I started my studies at the Technion, I didn’t know what to expect. Moving from daily physical training to lectures, recitations, and exams wasn’t easy. But the values that guided me as an athlete,  discipline, perseverance, determination, and striving for excellence,  are the same ones I’ve carried with me into my academic journey. And indeed, studying here is not easy; there are challenges, moments of difficulty, and crises. Yet with determination and full commitment to the process, I can enjoy the journey as well.”

While she invests considerable effort in her academic path, Geva also views personal excellence as a foundation for broader social impact. She does not settle for personal achievements – one of which is being named a President’s Distinguished Student – but seeks to instill confidence and a drive for excellence in those around her, especially women. She does this through personal example. “I would like to see more women in engineering professions and in key positions, and I believe the best way to create change is to be part of it. As an athlete, it was important to me to give younger girls greater belief in their abilities. Today I wear a slightly different hat, but the goal is still similar: I want to push boundaries and pave the way for those who come after me.”