Mario Gutierrez '25 Recruiting Profile

     I started playing football when I was 6 years old.  I was immediately drawn to the competitiveness of the sport and the energy that came from achieving success as part of a team.  I love working as part of a group to reach a goal and seeing my hard work contribute to that success.  I've played other sports which have helped me develop as an athlete, but nothing matches the passion I have for football.  I am currently dedicated to being the best high school football player and teammate that I can be.  My teammates and I have some very specific goals that we want to reach together over the next two years and I would be extremely humbled and excited if this somehow led to an opportunity to play at the next level. Playing college football is an individual goal of mine and I know it would be extremely challenging.  I can assure you that I am up to the challenge. 

     I make decisions every day to help me reach these goals.  For example, I currently attend early morning training sessions for my high school team, even while playing baseball.  I have been recognized multiple times for having perfect attendance in all off-season lifting and conditioning sessions throughout my high school career.  I also put in extra work with my teammates, my personal trainer and on my own.  I do these things because I am always looking for ways to get better.  I want to be the best player and teammate that I can be.  Coaches have told me that I am extremely coachable, a fast learner, and someone who will not be outworked.  I work just as hard in the classroom as I do on the field to maintain a 3.8 GPA while taking multiple honors classes.  As a sophomore, I am currently taking 3 honors classes, one of which is a college course.  Next year, I am scheduled to take 2 AP courses, U.S. History and Biology.  

     I've never been afraid to challenge myself in any aspect of life.  When I have failed my parents have taught me to fail forward, learning from mistakes to become a better person.  My goal as a student-athlete is to compete at the highest level possible while doing everything I can to contribute to a winning culture.  I want to continue to develop as an athlete, but also as a student, leader and young man.