Connor Claxton '24 Recruiting Profile

For as long as I can remember, I loved baseball. My love of the game has only increased as I have gotten older. In 2019, right before the pandemic, I was playing select baseball tournaments every other weekend. I remember the feeling when our hard work and training paid off and we won 1st place that season overall. The weight of the ring on my finger was the best feeling ever. As a freshman and sophomore in high school my dedication to the sport paid off when I started on Varsity. So far my high school team has made it several rounds into the playoffs two years in a row and we are looking forward to another great year and making it even further. 

Baseball has taught me many valuable skills, such as the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting. These skills will not only help me as I pursue playing baseball at the collegiate level, but also as I venture out into life as an adult. My high school goals are to make National Honor Society, as well as 1st Team All District and All State in baseball. My post high school goals are to pursue a career in wildlife management, and play baseball at the collegiate level. 

There have been many obstacles I have had to overcome to get where I am at. Academically, I have struggled with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. While many might see these as a negative, I do not. Having dyslexia has required me to work harder than my peers academically. While I am very smart, showing what I am capable of in the classroom has not always been easy. My dyslexia has instilled in me the importance of studying, planning and seeking assistance as needed. Despite my dyslexia, I have maintained a 3.3 GPA in high school. My goal is to get my GPA up to a 3.5 by the end of my Senior year. 

While Covid-19 put a damper on baseball competition, it did not stop my training. It has been my personal goal to spend 1-2 hours a day in the batting cages 5-6 days a week. With the exception of being sick or out of town, I have met my goal. When I am unable to go to the batting cages, I practice throwing and catching with my dad or grandfather. My goals on the high school field are to continue to improve my running and throwing speed, as well as my accuracy when pitching and throwing from outfield to infield.  

Because of my perseverance and love of the game, I will be a dynamic player and positive influence at the collegiate level. As I grow both physically and mentally throughout my college baseball career, I will strive to be an asset to the outfield, and batting line-up. Most importantly, I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the field, knowing that the way I carry myself reflects my team, my coaches and the school I attend.