Grant Leader '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Grant Leader and I attend Lyons Township High School in La Grange, IL.  I've been playing baseball for about ten years now and am looking to play at the next levels, such as college and the pros.  I've been a pitcher ever since "kid pitch" in Little League and have been dedicated to improving my skills as a pitcher every day of the year.  With advice from my coach, I've been doing an all body workout that focuses on pitcher-specific muscles ever since I was twelve.  

My work ethic in the classroom rivals my dedication on the field, as I am challenging myself by taking Honors and AP classes during my sophomore year.  Both my mother and my grandmother were teachers at Lyons Township High School, so academics has always had and will have an important place in my life.  For all the hours I put into working on the baseball field, I spend many more working on my school work.  Unlike most other recruits, I don't make or really have extra time for social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.  Reason being, I am not comfortable bragging about myself, where I have been or what I am doing, but I am comfortable with who I am becoming.  I hope you will get a chance to meet me someday soon.

I am unique as a baseball player because I have been working to protect the health of my arm since the age of 12.  In the off season, I workout many hours a week to improve all aspects of my game, such as hitting, fielding, pitching and the mental side of baseball.  Before I play, I have a routine that includes band work and other stretches and even ice down my arm and shoulder after playing.

I bring some unique qualities to a team which include my work ethic, vocal leadership skills on and off the field, and my ability to accept and respect authority from all coaches.  I lead by example with a positive attitude and respect for all players, coaches and umpires.  This high school season, I started out on the freshman team and eventually moved my way up to the varsity level at the end of the season, pitching in a post-season playoff game against Mt. Carmel High School.   I had no trouble at all adjusting to the different levels of competition or the unique player dynamics on each team.  I would be an excellent ambassador for your baseball program, the university itself  and would work very hard to make both of them proud.  I am eager to learn more from you and your coaching staff and am looking forward to many more years of baseball ahead of me.