Ryan Shonk '21 Recruiting Profile

I’ve played baseball since I was very young playing t-ball. I love the sport because of the camaraderie that forms lifelong friendships, but also because it never fails to bring out the best in me and teach valuable lessons that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. As a freshman playing varsity baseball, I learned the value of the team all the way up and down the roster. With a senior starting over me, I was on the bench for most of the year and this helped me realize how important everybody’s role is, not just the guys out there playing everyday. I did my best to help out in any way that I could, and I believe that by doing so I was able to benefit the team every game day even if I didn’t get on the field.

My participation in sports like baseball, football, basketball, and track & field has helped me to develop a strong work ethic and enhanced my leadership skills and abilities. In high school, I have particularly focused on strengthening my baseball and football skills and it is my belief that playing multiple sports has made me a better athlete.  All of my coaches and teachers would agree that when I commit to something, whether it be a team or a class project, that I go all out and give it everything I have to give. I enjoy pushing myself in the weight room, competing with my teammates in between seasons to see who can squat and bench press more. I take off-season work very seriously, prioritizing it only behind academics, in which I hope to finish high school with a 3.8 GPA or higher and go into college as an exercise science major.