Anthony Folta '20 Recruiting Profile

My first love in life was when I was five. That was when my parents signed me up for football. I was finally going to be like my cousin who is 10 years older who I watched play football since I was in a stroller. He went on to play great college ball and I have always looked up to him, he is my idol.

Sports have been an important part of my whole life.  No matter the sport, if there was a ball involved, I enjoyed the game and the competition.  Growing up I have played football, basketball, baseball and soccer. However, football is my passion and has always been.

I am in my stance ready for the ball to be snapped. All my teammates are crouching ready for the play. Adrenaline is rushing through me as I run my fastest and I see the ball in the air flying towards me and I know it is mine. My job is to get to the end zone no matter what. I am confident and determined. There is not better feeling in the world.

I am a football player. It feels strange writing it without capitalizing the words. To me, "football player"; is part of my identity, who I am. I capitalize my name, and so I should capitalize my sport. I am extremely good at what I do. My stats for last season are 43 receptions, 746 yards, 8 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. I was First Team All Western Mass Wide Receiver and First Team All League Defensive Back.

I have learned that I crave competitive environments. My football experience has taught me to enjoy intense preparation and working with a team toward a common goal. I have also learned to remain persistent along with disappointments.

People see touchdowns. What they do not see is all the rigorous hours of preparation that goes into those adrenaline-filled moments of glory. Whether its 6am lift or 8pm night practices, performing passing routes over and over again, endless running sprints in 20 degree or 90 degree weather or sticking to strict diet plan, hundreds of hours are dedicated to producing that one single touchdown. But it is all worth it at the end of the day and I feel exhilarated to put in the unglamorous hours necessary to excel. All the hard work and perseverance is worth it.

Focus, hard work and dedication define everything I do in life. I have always taken as much pride in my schoolwork as my athletic achievements. I am a student who has to work very hard for the grades I get. And even though it would have been easier to take regular classes, I choose to challenge myself by taking honor classes. I think playing sports pushes me as a student athlete to perform better in the classroom to impress my present coaches, future coaches, teachers, families, and peers. Doing so allows me to stay eligible on the field, set a positive example as a team leader and be there for my teammates when they need me most.

I considered which colleges would best fit me academically and athletically and a strong football program is what I dream of. I see my college years to be a period of personal growth. My goal is to get a solid college education. On the field, I plan to commit myself fully and enthusiastically in every way possible to be a dynamic player and positive influence on the team. As I grow both physically and mentally throughout my college football career, I will strive to be an asset to my team. I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the field, knowing that the way I carry myself is a reflection on my team, my coaches and the school I attend. Given this opportunity to continue toward my goal in the classroom and on the field, doing what I love, would truly be an amazing experience.