Paul 'Gregory' Thornton '19 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

I’ve been told by my coaches that I have a knack for remaining composed no matter what is going on around me.  My mom says I get this attribute from my dad. I’ve never given the idea much thought, however, I did get rattled this past sophomore year when I learned that my dad was battling cancer. But, after the initial shock, I quickly realized that I needed to be strong for my mom and younger brother while my dad was away getting treated. So that’s what I did.  I lead my family until my dad recovered and returned home after eight months of treatment.  It was the most unnerving and toughest journey of my life but, I found out that I was tougher.  I honored my dad’s wishes for me to not take a break from sports but to continue to perform in academics and baseball. I channeled my emotional pain and desperation into an energy of determination and survival. Somehow, I understood my dad was doing exactly the same from the hospital.  I also understand happy endings can come from persevering through difficulty. My mom was able to present to my dad while in the hospital; my Student of the Month Award, the Varsity Baseball Season MVP Award, and a Scholar Athlete Award. Three months later my dad came home.

Being a teammate and leader is as natural for me as brushing my teeth.  I don’t labor over the idea of the chore, I just do it and apparently, I do it well enough because I’ve gotten good results.  More often than not, I am recognized as the team’s leader by the coaches and my teammates in either baseball or basketball and at each level of play.  And during my many bi-annual visits to the dentist, I’ve never had cavities! My philosophy on leading is simple.  Whether I’m on the field or in the classroom, I believe I am responsible for the outcome of the grade or in large part for a win or a lost on the field or the court.  I believe there is always something I could do better to achieve a more desirable outcome. I have come to understand my strength of composure is rooted deep in my belief system.  Moreover, my job is to help those around me to believe what I believe.  I believe in the ability of myself, my teammates, my classmates, my teachers and my coaches.  And when we are all believing together, remarkable things happen.