Jake Mathis '24 Recruiting Profile

I have researched and looked at a lot of these personal statements.  I wanted to respect the traditional side of the statement, but allow you to see the other side of me that is different/unique.  In this article, I will answer the five most important questions… who, what, how and where and why.

Who is Jake Mathis?

I don’t remember a time when I was not watching, learning, or playing the game of baseball.  My father always allowed me to choose.  I have grown up playing all different types of sports (soccer, basketball (can now touch the rim of the goal… something I have been working on and proud of), lacrosse,  and golf (love driving the ball… not always straight down the fairway), but always found baseball as my true passion.  Growing up in the triangle (Durham/Hillsborough) allowed me at an early age to enjoy/experience/value baseball thru the Durham Bulls.  Triple A ball allows you to meet these players (David Price, Will Myers, and Blake Snell) and watch them struggle/succeed in this national pastime.  A better way of saying it… would be… I just don’t play the game… I study it too.

What am I looking for in a college?

The most important thing I look for in a college is… does it feel right?  I want to feel comfortable… feel at home… and make sure that the academics match up for my future.  My mother is a teacher.  From an early age in life, she gave me a good foundation on the importance of education.  She calls it… the love of learning.  I am proud of the academic achievements that I have accomplished in an early stage of life.  For example, completing IMACS (Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science) at the age of 10 years old, scoring over 1000 on the PSAT in 6^th grade w/Duke TIP, and going into high school with four credits. 

How do I impact the game of baseball?

The first thing you need to know about me is… I am a competitor.  I attack the game.  At the end of the day, I want to win!  I always want to be in the middle of the game action moments.   I think my knowledge for the game is well above average for my age.  I want to impact the game is some way every time I hit the field.  I think a good example of this is… my eighth-grade baseball season.  At the start of the season, my coaches came up to me and asked me to be the team captain.  At first, I caught a lot of flack from my teammates, but with time I have shown them that I take this seriously, lead by example, and share responsibilities/passion with others that feel the same way about the game that I do.  It’s not easy.  At the end of the day, I have goals/dreams and we have to hold each other accountable.

Where should I go to college?

I want a coaching staff that wants me as much as I want them.  Coaches who watch, listen, and teach.  Coaches that push and don’t fix it if it’s not broken, but give tough love when needed.  In one of my statements to Perfect Game scouts, I stated that I am a part of a brotherhood (DiamondFit/workout facility in Raleigh, NC) where we watch out for each other, push each other, and want the best for each other.  I want that type of program for my next four years in collegiate baseball.

Why me? 

I know that there is a lot of talent out there.  I have been to some big national showcases and seen/met people from all over the world.  When you sit down with me… take time to get to know me… I think I just bring a fresh relief.  Being a student-athlete is what I was meant to do.