Personal Statement
I have played football since I was in 3rd grade. However, the year I grew the most as a competitor was my sophomore year of high school when I had the opportunity to compete in the final four for both football and basketball. In both instances, we lost to the eventual state champions. Although we lost, those experiences helped to solidify a team-first attitude in which I realized that although I was valuable with the ball in my hands, I was perhaps most valuable without the ball. I became a player who is willing to do the “dirty work” even when the play is not focused on me--whether it is blocking on offense, being assignment-sound, breaking up a pass versus intercepting when that was better for the team, and making opportunities for my teammates’ success.
These lessons came under the leadership of my coach, Cully Welter, who has already been inducted into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame. He has taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and most importantly, preparation. My desire to be a true student-athlete stems from his leadership. I know that I have to be just as prepared in the classroom as I am on the field. This preparation applies to my role in the Lifesavers organization at my high school as well. I work to make positive decisions for my life and support my peers through difficult times in their own lives. These interactions will help me succeed in being the best student, person, and teammate that I can be. As a six-time scholar-athlete, I believe I have the talent to compete in college and the attributes to make an immediate impact on your program and college community.
