- September 2019
Personal Statement
For as long as I can remember all I wanted to do was play baseball. After reading this I believe someone will give me the opportunity to continue to live out that dream.
I would like to say thank you in advance for taking the time out of your busy schedule to view my profile.
I just started my senior year at Appomattox County High School. I am a young senior (16 years old) as I started school at 4 years old. I will not turn 17 until September 12th. Please keep that in mind as you read on.
My junior year at ACHS I hit .377 with seven doubles and two HR’s. Nothing to write home about, but it is how and against whom I did it that should impress you. In the regional semifinals vs. the #1 seed we were tied 0-0 in the top of the 6th inning when I lead off with what would be my first home run of my varsity career. We tacked on a few more runs and that victory catapulted us into the states. In the states we again faced the #1 seed and pitcher Matthew Buchanan, a UVA commit and 1st team all state pitcher. In the top of the 1st, batting second, I put our team up 1-0 when I crushed a high fastball for my second home run of the postseason. It would be the only run our team would score as Buchanan dominated and beat us 15-1. He struck everybody in our lineup out at least once, except me. I would face him one more time and lace a line drive single to left.
My other two big accomplishments at the plate were a double against Andrew Potojecki, a Longwood University commit, 1st team all state pitcher and player of the year in our class 2. I also doubled off Christian Gordon, an MLB draftee who I believe is going to attend Liberty University. He was also an all state pitcher (class 4) and player of the year for the whole state of Virginia. I am particularly proud of that AB as it was our first game of my sophomore season (Christian’s junior year). I was the only 15 and leading off the season against Gordon and his LCA teammates who at this time were ranked #2 in the state regardless of class. They would later move up to #1 with an undefeated regular season. I was the leadoff hitter at that time so I was essentially starting off our season. I worked the count full and then took an outside fastball deep to right for a double. I would score two batters later on a groundout to put my school up 1-0 over mighty LCA. Gordon would not surrender another hit the rest of that game and he would eventually go on to throw multiple no hitter, including a perfect game. So, as you see, some players may put up gaudy numbers against lesser pitchers, but I have proven that I can handle the best.
Now if I could go back to that regional semifinal game where I broke the 0-0 tie in the 6th inning with my first home run. That moment would not even have been possible if not for my defense and hustle from my catcher position. The first two batters in the first inning for the opposition reached base safely and it could have been a big inning for them, but I picked off the leadoff batter from first base and then the #2 batter hit a grounder to short, but our SS made an errant throw to first base, the runner was safe at first and thought he would try to advance to second, but I had hustled from behind home plate and was in position to back up first base and I proceeded to throw out batter #2 at 2nd base. First two batters reach safely and I eliminate both. 2 outs, nobody on. That allowed me to have my dramatic moment in the 6th.
Although I prefer to play 3rd base or catcher I can and have played anywhere on the field. My athletic ability and versatility gives my coaches that option as sometimes they have a kid that can only catch or only play 3rd. I am willing to play anywhere on the field that is best for my team.
Just a few more accomplishments. As a 9 year old, my 9-10 year old ozone team made it to states where I hit a bases clearing double late in the game to give my team its only victory in 3 games. As a 13 year old, my 13-14 year old ozone team made it to the world series in Louisiana. I was again the youngest, but a big part of our success. And my sophomore and junior years have both ended with ACHS making it to states in consecutive years for the first time.
I’d like to switch to academics for a moment. When I was 11 years old and just starting middle school (grades 6,7,8) I beat out everybody in my advanced anguish class in the spelling bee. The next step would be all winners from their class would meet in the final to be crowned winner of the school spelling bee. Now this is all three grades, 6th, 7th, and 8th. I won! I went on to finish fourth in the regionals. All this while playing in baseball playoffs and starting basketball. This is just to show my commitment and desire to succeed.
Speaking of commitment, I am now 6’1”, 175 pounds. I ran a 6.97 second 60 at the University of Lynchburg prospect camp. But I used to be middle of the pack on my teams as fas far as speed is concerned. I have been in the gym since I was 12 and through my hard work and dedication I have made myself not only the strongest player, but also the fastest. And remember, I AM STILL ONLY 16!!! I have more room to physically mature than most kids you receive on campus.
Thanks again for your valuable time!
Luke Olimpio
Oh, and one more thing, this year my school started a new program for special education students. They chose 5 kids to partner up with a student and I was one of the 5 chosen. My “buddys” name is Kyle, he was born with only half a brain. He is an awesome kid who has taught me so much.
I know this has been a long read, but if you have made it this far something got your attention, so why not follow your instincts and give me a chance. You won't regret it, because my story is unfinished...
