Personal Statement
Updated: 4/26/2021
Here is a better explanation of my experience my senior year as a high school football player. One I will remember and a lesson I learned that will help me going forward as I enter this next phase of life.
https://thesouthern.com/sports/football/sports-column-braden-fogal-we-could-all-learn-something-from-marions-chase-isbell/article_dce9c255-1871-520d-aaca-335ac536eda7.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_&fbclid=IwAR0Gn7Sh8sXdWzL1XCQWKEpi-c7CSvA7jThQR7EqUYweE2Z2ACsiDCW14-Y
Original Statement:
I’ll never forget the first time I put on the helmet and pads almost eight years ago, and I still get that same feeling today as I put them on heading into my senior year of high school. From the very first practice in community flag football in the 4th grade, I knew this game is something I could have a true passion for. I love football not only for the game itself but the lessons it taught me on and off the field. This game has taught me respect, discipline, patience, how to win and lose gracefully, and so much more. But most importantly with my roles as Quarterback and Running-back, this game has taught me how to be a leader. How to elevate my teammates, and to never give up even when the scoreboard and clock are running against us. Knowing when it’s more important to listen to your teammates, then it is to be calling the play. That just because the clock strikes zero and I take my uniform off, I am still a leader to my teammates on and off the field, and that I continue to conduct myself with pride and respect, knowing that it is a reflection of my coaches, team, and community.
After a successful football record through junior high and junior varsity, I had to face my first bit of adversity with the game. Starting my junior season, I knew I would be sitting behind our senior quarterback for the season. I learned the important lesson to remain persistent during disappointment, and I did not let this take me away from the game. Instead I chose to work harder and help my team in any way I could. That season motivated me to work even harder during the entire year to get back on the field and show my coaches and teammates what I can do.
As I geared up for my Senior year as the starting Quarterback, adversity struck again. In the midst of a pandemic and a shortened spring season, a senior quarterback transferred to our team from a neighboring town. Matched in ability, my coaches were stuck with a last minute dilemma. I would be lying if I did not admit that I was frustrated and disappointed at first, but after a conversation with my teammates and my coaching staff I made the decision to learn the new position of Runningback. What I did not know at the time was this was the best move for myself and my team. I always felt like I was watching the game take place in a way as the quarterback, that after that ball left my hand, I was watching the rest. I love playing and I have thrived in my new position, it sparked an entire new type of football player in me. This new role and motivation energized our entire team and this led to our undefeated Spring 2021 season.
If I was given the fortunate opportunity to become a college athlete, I believe this would give me the opportunity to grow further and take me to the next level as a team player on the field and in life. That it would give me the qualities and memories that would last a lifetime. My goal in college is to explore a criminal justice major or sports management major. My time playing football has taught me to enjoy strong preparation and working with a team toward a common goal, a lesson that I intend on taking into my future career. I am excited and looking forward to taking this next step in life and hope that includes football.