Personal Statement
GOALS:
My main goal right now is doing well in school so I can get into a good college and pursue a degree in marketing. I also am working hard to develop as a basketball player so I can contribute to a basketball team in college. My basketball goal is to play in college. The Division does not matter as long as I can play and make a positive impact on a team, I will have reached my goal.
SCHOOL:
I am a Junior at Nashua High School South in Nashua New Hampshire. Nashua is the second largest city in New Hampshire, about 40 miles away from Boston. I am a good student and enjoy many extra-curricular activities. I make friends easily, and I am a good leader. I was the sophomore class president and was re-elected junior class president. Being class president has been a terrific opportunity. I have developed leadership skills and enjoy listening to classmates’ ideas and concerns and helping making meaningful changes and memorable events for everyone. I have a 3.67 GPA, and I am taking the marketing track in High School. I am interested in studying integrative marketing communications, digital marketing or advertising in college. Both of my parents are marketers and own their own online business. I actually help with their business by creating social media graphics. They enjoy being entrepreneurs. I would like to follow in their footsteps.
BASKETBALL:
Although, I enjoy playing many sports such as tennis, volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse, I love basketball and have since I began playing in kindergarten. Basketball has been an integral part of my life since 3rd grade when I began playing on rec and travel teams. I’ve been playing AAU since 5th grade and have played on my middle school and high school teams. My high school is in the most competitive league in New Hampshire, which has 3 divisions. For AAU, we usually play against Massachusetts teams, as the competition is stronger in the Boston metro area.
I have been told by coaches that I have a great understanding of the game, and a high basketball IQ. This past year, I helped my father coach my younger brother’s middle school team and hope to coach basketball one day because I enjoy interacting with younger kids and love the game.
BASKETBALL DETAILS:
I usually play a center or power forward position. I have many post-up moves, but I can also handle the ball well for a “big” man. I have a high percentage shot from 15’ or under, and have improved my range to include 3-pointers. When I was younger, I played point guard for my 3rd, 4th and 5th grade teams. I consider myself a great passer and have many assists every game. I am also a good rebounder, but suspect I will improve once I gain more weight.
TRAINING/DIET:
My mother is a health coach, so she makes sure we eat healthy. She insists that I eat organic and whole foods. I eat protein shakes daily along with 3 (or 4) meals a day. I am also working with Jill Lane (http://www.jilllane.com/) a sports nutritionist who works with student and professional athletes. Her nutrition program is helping me put on lean muscle mass.
I work with Scott Prunier, a functional movement and strength and conditioning coach from Top Fitness in Nashua, NH (http://www.gotopfitness.com). We are working on my overall strength, jumping for quickness, and improving my vertical leap. I work out at Top Fitness 2 days/week for 1.5 hours. I go to the school gym on days I am not at Top Fitness.
I am also working with Jason Boykin of I'm Possible Training for personal basketball skill development. Mr. Boykin is focusing on shooting and ball handling skills. I work with Mr. Boykin 4-5 hours/week. I have seen a big improvement in game day performance since working with him.
PERSONAL:
I am the oldest of three children. I have a 13-year-old brother who also loves basketball and a 7-year-old sister. My entire family is tall. My mother is 6’0” and was a star basketball player in high school. My father is 6’ 6”, and played basketball and football in high school. My mother’s father is 6’ 8”, and my father’s father was 6’5” tall. I have grown a foot in the past three years, and I am still getting comfortable with my height. My father and grandfathers did not stop growing until college, so I don’t think I am quite done growing.
OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL:
We do a lot together as a family, and I enjoy any time we spend. My parents are very focused on teaching me to become a “man of character,” which means that I have an obligation to my family, community, and myself. We are Catholic, and I am involved with my church as a leader in our Youth Ministry and I volunteer at the local soup kitchen.
