Daniel Rael '17 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Daniel Rael. I was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I go to school in a town called Pojoaque Valley. It isn't a really big town nor school. I was raised without a father so it has only been my mom and my older sister. It was difficult at times without a father. I didn't really get the paternal motivation like most of the other kids did or get taught how to play sports like football. However, my mom always encouraged me to try any sport I was interested in. She was, and still is, my biggest fan and supporter. I started playing football at around six years old and that's when I fell in love with the sport. I couldn't imagine my life without it. When I started to play football my mom always checked up on my grades to see if I was slacking and that has impacted my life because she always pushed me to do my job correctly so I can do something that I enjoy doing. I have always been on the A and B honor roll and maintained good attendance.  

When I reached middle school it was a whole different experience for me. I would always go to summer workouts with the High School team to condition with them. Seeing the older athletes inspired me to push myself to get to their level. When I got to High School, I found myself always trying to motivate my teammates to get better and pushed them to give their best- every practice - every game. In fact, that's what I like best about being in a team sport: I like to motivate others and help them out no matter their age or their level as an athlete. When I see a teammate slacking or discouraged on the field or track I push them so they become better so the whole team can be better and so they can feel better about themselves.  In addition, I try to push my teammates in the classroom because that's where it all starts. At the beginning of my Junior year I had the opportunity to become a 'Big Brother' to an elementary school student. This has opened my eyes to what it means to be a role model and set an example for the younger generation. It makes me want to be a better student, a better athlete, and ultimately, a better person.

I appreciate the time taken to look at my profile and highlights. Being from a small town and school - we don't always assume we have the same opportunities as everyone else. But hard work does pay off - and I intend to continue to always work hard so I can welcome the opportunities and experiences that I dream of.