Ryan Grant '16 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ryan Grant and  I am a junior at West Chicago Community High School.  I am the starting right fielder on our varsity baseball team, and I was also the only sophomore on the team.  This year we won our first Regional Championship in 8 years!  I was the Team Captain of my high school baseball team for the past 2 years.  I am also a starter on my 16u club baseball team, Force Elite Baseball.  My main positions are outfield and 3rd base.  I run a 7.0 in the 60 yard dash.  During my freshman baseball season last spring I led my team in all offensive stat categories.  I also had an error free season and started all 25 games.  I was a 3 sport athlete freshman year (baseball, basketball and football), and now I focus on baseball year round.

This offseason I have been dedicated to getting bigger, faster, and stronger, which I did.  From October-February two days a week I went to school two hours before the first bell to train with Superior Athletic Advantage.  Training with Superior Athletic Advantage definitely paid off:  I shaved 0.4 seconds off my 60 time (October: 7.4-February: 7.0),  I added 60 lbs. to my bench press (October: 155 lbs.-February: 215 lbs.), and I also added 90 lbs. to my squat (October: 225 lbs.-February: 315 lbs.).

Working out was not the only thing I did in the off season.  Since the offseason began I attended two college prospect camps: one at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and the other at University of Wisconsin-Parkside.  In addition I also attended two showcases, the Midwest Elite Showcase (invite only) and the PBR Prospect I.D. Showcase.  I also practiced with the varsity team most mornings before school.

I attended the PBR Underclass Trials in Schaumburg, IL on 6/12/14, and I will be attending the Cincy Flames Dinger Wood Bat World Series in Cincinnati, OH on 7/9 - 13 & the Perfect Game Midwest Underclass Showcase (invite only) in Cedar Rapids, IA on 8/22 - 24 this summer.  Come out and see me play!

Both on and off the field my primary focus is baseball.  I am always working hard to be the best individual I can possibly be and help any team that I play for.  I am also always working to have an edge over my opponent no matter who it may be.  You will never find me screwing around in practice or at games.  When any coach or instructor is talking, my focus is on them to expand my knowledge of the game further and become a better player both physically and mentally.  My dream is to play at the highest level of competition possible in college whether it’s Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA or NJCAA.  I am completely dedicated to getting an opportunity to play college baseball, and once I have the opportunity in my hand I will continue to work hard to keep it.

I have an outstanding leadership trait.  I was the team captain on my high school freshman & sophomore team.  I will never stop working until I reach my goal of playing college baseball no matter where that may be.  I know my passion and devotion to the game and to improving my skills will pay off.

Besides sports I work as an After School Camp Counselor at the Carol Stream Park District and as a Student Assistant in my high school's English Department.   I also worked as a Dodgeball Official at the Carol Stream Park District and volunteered as an Assistant Softball and Baseball Coach for special needs kids at Miracle League through the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.   I am involved in the Pep Club at my high school and also coached the Girl's Powder Puff football team.  I am also active in several community service organizations including Interact Club (high school community service organization), Carol Stream Pond & Stream Sweep, Feed My Starving Children and PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter).  I enjoy going downtown to Chicago each year with my friends and family to deliver food and clothing to the homeless.