Charles Gagen '23 Recruiting Profile

It was a sizzling summer day, and I was picking weeds in my grandparents’ yard. I was about 15 years old. They asked me (again) to come inside and fix things (again) like the refrigerator ice maker and bedroom TV, and I realized I was skillful at problem-solving and overcoming challenges.

It started when I was in third grade, it took me about 6 hours to finish my homework. It was immensely frustrating. Finally, Mrs. Devlin, my teacher, referred me to a dyslexia specialist who diagnosed my learning difference. I went through the Barton Reading System for dyslexia, but I loathed that I had to do more work than others.   Through these frustrating early experiences, I learned that persistence and self-motivation could reduce my frustration. I think this is why I am good at problem-solving and fixing things around the house. I also think that is why I am talented at baseball.

I am the hardest working baseball team member. I weight train with a coach, and on my own, I take my reluctant brother to throw at the field and to the batting cages, and he times my 60-yard runs. I belong to several travel teams and was even asked to participate in a Reno HS summer team (I live in a different county, but the rules are relaxed for summer). I find every opportunity to improve, learn and practice. I’m even a paid umpire for the Carson Little League.

My persistence and self-motivation have also helped me grow and improve in school. I know I sometimes have to try harder than others.  At a private high school, I have been challenged to a higher academic standard than I would have been in a public school.  Ninety-eight percent of my peers will go to college.  My dream is to go to college and play on the baseball team. I’m not sure what I want to study in college yet, but I’m thinking about business or physical therapy and I like history a lot.