Ever since I can remember I have always loved the game of baseball. My love of the game started with my unassisted triple play at third in tee ball. Most of the other kids did not even know what was going on, but my team was collecting outs. We were a great team back then, and most of those boys I played with throughout my youth sports travel career. During the years from 10U to 14U, my Buffalo Grove Bearcats team won the Cooperstown tournament at 10U, the Pigeon Forge tournament at 12U, and both the Illinois and Midwest USSSA 14U World Series (along with at least 10 other tournament championships and well over 100 games). Throughout it all, I was both a leader in the dugout and on the field. I have a lot of favorite memories from that entire experience, none better than playing 5 games on a single day where we came from the losers bracket to win the 14U Midwest World Series in Michigan. I led my team that day by hitting .614 with 5 RBI’s and 4 runs scored.
Not only is it important to continue my growth as a player with my skills but being a good teammate is essential. Being an encouraging teammate and showing a positive attitude, whether winning or losing, is what my coaches like about me. I am one of the most encouraging teammates to all of the players on my team, and even have positive conversations with players on opposing teams. I just love to play the game. All the positive life skills that I have gained playing sports I make sure to use everyday. I lead by example, with a smile on my face, and know no one is happier than I am when I take the field.
I am also focused on my career after high school. I want to play baseball in college, but understand that choosing the right school where I can balance my academics (3.8 GPA) with my love of baseball will help me learn how to be an effective leader, not only as a player, but in the real world after baseball.
