Personal Statement
Sports and competition have been a lifelong passion for me. I first began playing basketball in elementary school and have continued since, participating in track and cross country along the way. I started playing varsity basketball in 8th grade and have been a captain on the team since my sophomore year. I am looking for a program that will offer me a fulfilling academic and athletic experience. I am confident that I have the skills to compete for a top-tier college team because of my character, work ethic, and leadership. As a student at the top of my academic class and a team captain in two sports, I can positively impact a college program and bring qualities to improve your team.
My experience as a varsity student-athlete in basketball and cross country in 8th grade was valuable and helped me to grow both personally and as a competitor. I was forced to adapt to playing against bigger, stronger, and faster competition. I’m grateful that my upperclassmen teammates at the time taught me the value of hard work, discipline, sacrifice, unity, and commitment at a relatively early age. Unfortunately, we finished with a 10-18 record and did not make the state basketball tournament in 8th-grade season. However, we regathered and won three straight district championships after that disappointing season. These experiences have strengthened my passion for playing basketball and has propelled me in my pursuit of playing at a high level in college.
During our District Championship 3-peat, I was named to the 1st Team All-District each season, including being named District Player of the Year and 2nd Team All-State my junior season. Also, our team improved our record each season. These are among my proudest accomplishments as a student-athlete.
I believe that my endurance and discipline distinguish me from other student-athletes. My upbringing and family values helped instill these traits within me throughout my life. As a Muslim, I practice Ramadan every year. I fast from sunrise to sunset, not eating or drinking anything. Participating in athletics during this holiday is the most challenging trial I’ve endured. For the past 4 years, I have played basketball and run track while fasting in the New Mexico summer, often during practices and even games. These experiences were incredibly valuable for me. I would go to school and practice fatigued, but I disciplined myself to continue to lock in and focus on my priorities. This was rewarding and reinforced the importance of delayed gratification for me.
Furthermore, I believe my academic strength sets me apart from many student-athletes. My parents continually emphasize the importance of commitment and dedication in striving for success. They immigrated to America to provide their children with more educational opportunities. I’m the youngest of six children in my family, and thanks to my parents’ efforts all five of my older siblings have gone to college. Through these role models, I’ve learned that education and giving back is critical to achieving your life goals, and I’ve worked hard to ensure that I am a strong student academically. I’m currently ranked 1st in my academic class, and I participate in a wide variety of academic extra-curriculars like science fair and speech and debate. I also volunteer with local elementary schools, reading to children and judging science fairs, and I help train young athletes through our varsity team’s annual basketball camps. Commitment to my academic success and my community helps me in my athletic endeavors as well, as it helps me build the discipline and self-motivation that drive me as an athlete.
