Craig Kirkland '24 Recruiting Profile

“Work first, play later.”  This saying has made me who I am today and remains true on and off the field.  Work can mean many things, but for me it is the first step to reach my goals.

I have been playing baseball since I was 4 years old; starting with T-ball, recreational, travel, and then high school baseball.  When it comes to baseball, I practice hard in order to assist and prepare my teammates and coaches to win the game, season, and championship.  I feel at home when playing short/2nd or behind the plate, however I am always ready to step up to play any position my coach needs.  I am there to encourage a teammate and have his back and most of all listen to others in order to better myself as a player.  My ability to switch from any of the infield positions to catching behind the plate comes from being open to learn and execute at a high level.  Coaches and teammates know they can trust in my ability to perform, from making a crucial play to saying the right words of encouragement when needed.

While my interpretation of work can be stressful, grueling, or pushed to the limit it has allowed me to become successful and proud of the student athlete I have become.  God has blessed me with athleticism and critical academic skills.  This is the foundation of my future and will continue to be the basis of my college and career path.

I can play later after all the work is put in.  Relaxing and playing video games with my teammates as we replay the win or loss, learning from our experience and use the play time to encourage one another.

Work should be used for the time and effort you put into making your life meaningful.  Play should be used for enjoying all that you accomplished after putting in the work.