Luke Vonderhaar '18 Recruiting Profile

    The ball and the game sit in the hands of the basketball team's star player.  As the clock winds down, he dribbles the ball near half-court waiting to make his move. His teammates get out of the way because they all know who will take the last shot. 

    I did not have the ball nor was I the star player. At that moment, I was standing in the opposite corner of the floor playing defense. The star drove left, gracefully spun to his right, and did exactly what I wanted him to do. He slammed into my waiting chest and knocked me to the ground. The referee's decision to call an offensive foul was easy. I sent the game into overtime by playing team defense. Although I started, I was never the most skilled basketball player on the court. 

    I am much more skilled at baseball than basketball, but my dedication to my team is always present. I believe I would be a good fit in any program because whether I need to hit gap to gap or move the runner from second to third, I am ready to do my job. I have long been able to easily set myself apart academically due to talent and my upbringing that I owe to my parents. Hard work along with respect, humbleness, and height has helped to set me apart athletically. 

    I intend to continue to strive to excel academically and athletically in college. I have high expectations for myself on and off the field and will diligently work to realize these expectations throughout at least four years in college. Depending on my undergraduate experience, I would like to add a higher education degree such as an MBA.  I am continually thankful for the academic and athletic talents I am blessed with, and I believe I can bring a sense of leadership and positive culture to many programs.