Kellen Tasaka '16 Recruiting Profile

My collegiate goals and aspirations, at least in terms of sports, are to be able to contribute to the team's success and to improve my times as much as possible. I look forward to contribute in a multitude of ways; whether I contribute through actually scoring points points for my team or through emphasizing a hard-working and competitive nature at practice that will help to push my teammates, I am glad to do either. I am confident that when my teammates succeed, this subsequently will make it much easier for myself to improve as well. Outside of sports, I look forward to exploring the many eclectic and unique majors that colleges have to offer and hope to find what I am truly passionate for. I am excited to experience the seasons and explore all that the continental U.S. has to offer! Perhaps what makes me unique from other recruits is that I come from Hawai'i, a melting pot of diversity and culture. This has taught me to get along well and respect many different cultures and ethnicities thus making me very open to meeting new people and working as a team. Furthermore, this diverse background benefits me in academics as I can solve problems in a multi-faceted way. Finally, being a Japanese descendent, our culture instills in us to work hard. When faced with challenges we are merely told "Ganbatte," which essentially means to keep working hard despite difficulties. As an athlete on your team, I will personify this age old adage and never give up.