Justin Maurer '15 Recruiting Profile

Kobe Bryant once said, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”  I started to play basketball at the age of seven.  I loved everything about the game; the lights, the camaraderie, the cheering, the momentum…  I knew this was an atmosphere around which I wanted to remain close to.  My father inspired me to play basketball by always taking me and my brother outside during his free time. 

            On May 30, 2004, my love for the sport was suddenly brought to a halt.  On that day, my father died from liver cancer.  As most innocent seven year olds would think, I did not know what was going on.  My father’s death did not hit me until a few years later.  During those years, I was not able to play. It reminded me too much of the days I played with my father.  All I wanted to do was stay home and play video games.  Basketball became a big figure in my life once my mom signed me up for the Safe Haven Westside Basketball League in late 2006.  I continue this love for basketball with the memory of my father. 

            My Safe Haven coach, Kenneth McGrory, always told me, “An assist is just like two points.  You have to trust your teammates, pass them the ball to achieve goals, and contribute to the team.”  Coach Ken became the father that I needed on the court. He influenced me to help others to achieve goals while at the same time accomplish my own. I always wanted to score the ball. I just loved the feeling, the sound of the net, and the achievement of putting the ball into the basket. Just seeing your own two or three points go onto the scoreboard, it gets your adrenaline pumping. The feeling became addicting, I never wanted to pass the ball, I wanted to score, and I wanted the win. One day the score board reflected our failure, and my teammates wouldn’t pass me the ball. I yelled at my teammates, I could have won the game. Later on, Coach sat me down and told me “nobody can win a basketball game on their own.” Then the next game, I took my Coach’s words into deep consideration because I wanted to become a well rounded basketball player. I was unhappy about giving up my glory, but I knew the feeling of rejection, and I wanted to support my team. That day ended with twenty points and ten assists, we won that game by fifteen. For once in my life, I found comfort in being a supporting leader rather than a one man show; I have never experienced such a warm feeling. 

            Basketball taught me how to become an influential leader both on and off the court. I help out my teammates and provide them with specific pointers to better our game. I take pride in setting up the offense and helping to support the strengths of every player. I enjoy spending time with my teammates to build stronger relationships. I believe that chemistry is the key to building strong relationships off the court which directly benefits our on-court success. Outside of playing basketball, I am quick to help out my friends. I also volunteer with my basketball league to help kids with disabilities learn the game and while helping them gain social skills. I believe together we can achieve greatness. My leadership abilities have helped me become a better varsity team captain and taught me the true meaning of success.  

            My goal is to stay in the game of basketball. I plan on becoming an athletic trainer or a physical education teacher. A career as an athletic trainer or physical educator would allow me to continue my work mentoring students, and help influence people to strive hard to reach their goals. I want to teach children the game of basketball and to keep them off the streets by helping them find a home on the hardwood. I am very excited for the opportunity of continuing my education, and honor my father by staying in the world of basketball.