Jacob does not have a video yet, but here is a SAMPLE of an NCSA professionally edited video
- Sample Video
Personal Statement
What makes me a good candidate to play at the collegiate level is both my perseverance through the odds that aren't in my favor as well as being able to hold both my teammates and myself accountable for the contributions while on and off the field. Throughout my athletic career, I have faced nothing but upmost adversity. In the winter of eight grade I fell into an illness that frankly should have taken my life. I lost 60 pounds, the ability to walk, stand, eat, talk and anything in between. I did not let it control me then as I made a full recovery with the absence of a part of my left lung, which was fueled by non more than my drive to get back to the game I love, so I can not only reach to where I was before my battle with pneumonia; but to use it to propel myself forward. That spring, I played after intense workouts and being counted out by my peers. I fought for the soul purpose of my love for the game of baseball and my mindset of never accepting defeat. What I learned from this is life is short, and that as much as this game is a lifestyle, it is merely that as well. It is a game. As a catcher, I take into consideration the fuel behind my pitcher. I understand a fire is meant to fuel his house, but I do not let that fire get out of control and burn him down. Baseballs a team sport with countless square feet of grass and dirt, so many places for teammates to shine their own light. And while I know the catcher is responsible for the field in front of him, I believe it starts mentally with monitoring my pitcher and making sure is mindset is in the correct position to help both the team and himself. I am an undersized man for being a catcher because of this illness. It kept me athletic but dropped me to average in build and leg strength. I am not one a coach will pick out of a crowd in a gymnasium. But upon game time, as my skills show their true colors, bordered with the man I make myself to be on that field. What makes me different from the other men around me is I will not be quite as upset going 0-4 with 4 strikeouts, but not being able to connect with my team, to drive as an army towards our goals. I may not be the initial DI college target at the camp; However I will let my underestimated skills speak to themselves but only come second to the character I make myself out to be, for the betterment of the world around me.
