- 2019 Highlights #2
Personal Statement
Though many experiences have shaped me as a player and a person, the two biggest influences are playing baseball and living in Israel. Both have created opportunity and challenges for me, and taught me many important lessons.
Through baseball, I’ve discovered that I am great at staying calm under pressure, I love to compete, and I like to make things happen on and off the field. I love playing as part of a team, and the different baseball communities I’ve been a part of have each helped me grow in different ways. I enjoyed traveling to Europe with the Israel National Team and playing teams from all over the world. I’ve also played with the East Bay Maccabi team for two summers. Now that I’m back in the US, I start at Las Lomas High School Baseball at the varsity level, and play with my travel team (Golden Era Baseball) all over the West Coast (mostly California where we’re based.) I play with a passion no matter what team I play with, and as a result of all these experiences I have learned how to lose, as well as win, graciously.
Academically, living in Israel created challenges I didn’t have before, and I worked hard to overcome the obstacle of attending school and studying in Hebrew. Now that I'm back in California, I'm studying in English again, and I feel more confident in my academic abilities.
What makes me unique as a player is my passion for the game and my grit. When I lived in Israel, I had to travel long distances for games and practices. I hitchhiked to the bus station, bused to the train station, rode the train for three hours, and ran to practice carrying my equipment. The practice was two hours. The way back was the same, and I’d get home after midnight most times. I often did my homework on the train. I did this several times a week, for a couple years. I just wanted to play! Baseball isn’t the national pastime in Israel as it is here. The field and equipment quality was poor and many practices were spent moving rocks, shoveling dirt and putting up fences so we could play. Dedicating that much time has taught me grit, and my love for the game is a different kind of love.
Being a part of so many different baseball teams and communities has made me realize that every player is different, and I’ve taken away something from every single one of those players. In addition, I’ve had some terrific coaches; many of them former U.S. college coaches. All these people and experiences have shaped me into the player I am today.
One of my coaches told me that what he likes most about me as a player is that I want the ball, and I love pitching in big situations. He says I’m the one he looks for to give the ball to in a tough situation. I feel that my poise, my ability to stay calm under pressure and not shying away from the spotlight is important when I’m out on the field. People have told me that I have a natural grace on the field whether I’m pitching, fielding or hitting. Also, I’ve been told I’m a great teammate. I support my teammates, cheer them on when I’m on the bench, and maintain a positive attitude. I’m ready to do whatever my team needs. I’ve also been told I am “coachable.” I want to continue growing and improving, and I’m willing to try most any professional advice to do so.
In Israel, I lived in a small town (about 300 families,) and I spent some of my time working with kids at a day-camp as well as working nights at a local bakery. Being in such a small community helped me realize what true family and friendship is. What’s so special about where I lived was that everyone knew one another and treated each other like family, which I believe is great for everyone in the community, especially kids growing up and experiencing the culture. It was much like being on a team and supporting one another through good times and bad.
I am hoping to attend a good college with great opportunities both athletically and academically. I look forward to contributing and making a difference in your program.
