Daniel Crasnick '18 Recruiting Profile

My name is Daniel Crasnick, I am a member of the class of 2018 at Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, CA.  I am 6’2, 215lbs.  My primary position is catcher and first base is my secondary position. I am extremely comfortable at third base as well.

From the time I was introduced to sports as a child, my dad always made sure I knew why the term is called student-athlete and not the other way around.  The Humanities curriculum of which I am enrolled at Hamilton is rigorous.  Limited to 385 students, all classes are at the Advanced Placement (AP) level and taught separately from the 2800 student population.  Academics have always come first in our house, instilled in me by my mother who was a teacher and I continue to honor her memory by seeking to excel in the classroom.  I will take that attitude with me to college.

Much of my character has been built through difficult times.  My mother passed away when I was 12, my little sister was six.  There were, and are, many tough days, but we’ve persevered.  My dad’s career requires late hours and lots of travel.  We have live-in assistance, but quite often I’ve had to take care of my sister.  I see myself as the man of the house.  

I am an excellent candidate for your team, not only for the characteristics above, but for my leadership and respectful nature.  I have been raised to respect everyone, coaches, adults, teammates, even strangers.  You never know what a person is going through whether with family, health, career or finances.  My dad calls it mindfulness.  

Lastly I am a great teammate.  I push teammates through adversity and expect the same in return.  I am calm in the eye of the storm, perhaps that’s the catcher in me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement.