Matthew Dirkse '17 Recruiting Profile

Since I first played baseball in second grade, it has been my favorite sport. I really enjoy both watching and playing the game. I find it is personally challenging while being one of the most fun, laid-back and social sports there are.

I have learned a lot about myself through sports. I also play football and basketball and each sport has taught me something about myself and has challenged me in different ways. I have developed confidence in myself and my abilities and have been able to mentor players younger than me.

Baseball has also kept me in a close relationship with my dad, something that is very important to me.  He played baseball in high school and still plays fast pitch softball at age 51! We watch baseball together on TV often and attend several professional and college level games each summer. We often discuss strategy, history and stats of the sport. Family is important to me and my mom and sisters are also very supportive, but it is the encouragement and coaching of my dad that I appreciate the most.

I have kept a 3.2 grade point average while taking college-prep and advanced level classes. I am also involved in my church and work part time at my family’s grocery store.

 Baseball has always come naturally and made sense to me more than any other sport. I would love to play baseball at a higher level and continue to develop my skills. If I can combine my favorite sport with a quality education it would be very rewarding to me.