Personal Statement
I have had a truly unique experience playing baseball in both Japan and the United States. I’ve also been lucky enough to play in the Philippines and Thailand as well. Regardless of where I’ve played, however, my favorite part of the game has always been the dugout camaraderie and the friendships that you develop with teammates. It is impossible to imitate the energy and enthusiasm that exists within the dugout. In a similar vein, I feel a unique sense of joviality in the classroom, especially when allowed to explore my own interests with limited restrictions. I feel I am at my best when I am surrounded by people who challenge my ideas along with existing dogmas in order to delve into deeper conversation. My grades reflect my effort level in the classroom, and my course selection highlights my proclivity for a challenge, but more importantly, I’ve learned to develop strong relationships with my teachers outside the classroom. Although I take pride in being a dedicated, intuitive scholar, who pushes oneself to achieve perfection in all his/her crafts, I equally enjoy diving for ground balls in practice and coming home with a dirty jersey in hand. In this sense, I apply the same grit and determination I have academically to ball field.
This February (2019) I transitioned from being a catcher—the position that I had played primarily from the time I started baseball in first grade—to being a pitcher full time. Moving from behind the plate to on the mound has allowed me to maximize my potential as a baseball player. This transition has introduced me to a new aspect of the game that has further invigorated me to pursue excellence on the field. I am looking to attend a school that will continually challenge me, and allows me to grow as a scholar. I'm looking for a program that will be a good fit for me athletically as well as academically. I believe I not only have the talent to compete for a college team, but the energy and work-ethic to make an immediate impact on any program.
