- May 2015
Personal Statement
About me as a student:
Although I love baseball, education is also a top priority. I am proud to say that through hard work and discipline I have been able to maintain a 3.2 GPA, while enrolled in Pre-International Baccalaureate classes (AP equivalent and Honors Level). I believe my success has been due to making wise use of my time. By working ahead on assignments and projects, I am able to give the necessary attention to my studies. I've always desired to play baseball in college, and I believe the habits I've developed through my high school experience will prepare me to take that next step as a student-athlete.
About me as a baseball player:
Baseball has helped me to become a better person as a whole. I have learned to view practice as "work", and have seen that the harder I work in practice the better I will be at game-time. I believe part of my personality comes through on the field as well. I'm not the loud vocal kid, but lead by example, which is what led to me to be named Team Captain every year since I started playing Little League (including football.) I also try to make the most of every opportunity that comes but I want to make our team better as a whole.
I have just recently decided to dedicate myself to baseball only. I played soccer and baseball from kindergarten through the 4th grade, but switched to football in the 5th grade. I was my team's starting quarterback all the way through my freshman year, and was invited to attend the Top Gun Combine (and other elite combines as well) but I realized that I grew to love baseball more.
I started playing for the NorCal College Development Program at the beginning of the summer and became a starter on Varsity for my high school team this spring. My primary position is pitcher, but I was a starter at shortstop on the Freshman team. I'm beginning to learn two new positions, first base and outfield, because I want to contribute to my team's success any way I can. I attribute this to the time I've spent working with Tony Crivello and Greg Wilson at the Manteca Baseball Club.
I am currently reading, Heads Up Baseball by Tom Hanson, which was recommended to me by John Goulding at Logan High School in Union City. I really want to understand the mental part of the game that I know will help me on the field. (Especially as a pitcher.)
Interests
Things I like to do: Go fishing with my dad and friends, train with fellow teammates, work on my '91 Bronco, and volunteer at church. Favorite players: Clayton Kershaw and Albert Pujols. Music: Country, Tedashi, Thousand Foot Crutch, and LeCrae. Movies: The Sandlot, Benchwarmers, When the Game Stands Tall.
