Personal Statement
I like to lead by example on and off the court. At practice and workouts, I arrive early and always am the last to leave. I never take a play off and work my hardest at every drill. My freshman year I was recognized with the hustle award. I play year-round basketball at Park Hill High School and with the KC Pumas elite/traveling program. I am a starter on the Park Hill varsity team and with the Pumas. My junior and senior seasons, I was selected to the Missouri Class 5, District 15 All District Team and all conference. I am an all-around player who contributes on both sides of the ball. On defense, I led my high school team in rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. On the offensive side, I was second on my team in field goal, three point, and free throw percentage.
I also lead by example in the classroom. I do not shy away from challenges, including taking advanced courses and encouraging others to do the same. In school, I have taken on a leadership role through Student Council, Missouri A+ mentoring program, Freshman Mentors, and Freshman Executive Council. I am also a member of the National Honor Society.
I am active in community service, both at school and in the community. I have been an active member of Assisteens, the year-round youth community service program of the Assistance League of Kansas City. We participate in community service projects on a monthly basis such as collecting snacks and school supplies for at-risk elementary students, working at a local soup kitchen, providing support to a local abuse shelter, working at a local food pantry, interacting and providing support to the residents in a local retirement home, and making meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
These efforts are important to me because there are people less fortunate than me and I feel you should always give back to the community. I have been given a life filled with opportunities and blessings. These efforts can make someone else's life a little better or happier. I also think it is important for me to be a role model to others that community service is important and should be something they incorporate into their lives.
I played tennis at Park Hill my freshman year, playing number three on the varsity team, earning a varsity letter, a district championship, and qualifying for both individual and team state. I am a two-time qualifier and participant in the USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships (2009/2010).
I pursue "healthy athletic performance" as a student-athlete. I live a clean lifestyle -- no alcohol and no drugs. I work on my game away from the court through conditioning and cross-training so that my body is ready to perform at its best in the gym. I eat healthy food with lots of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and no soda. I keep a healthy mindset by being a positive person and role model.
My collegiate goal is to attend a school that challenges me both in the classroom and on the court. I would like to play college basketball at the highest level possible while earning a degree from a top-notch institution.
