Personal Statement
My name is Phifer Griffin. I am a member of the graduating class of 2020 at Union Academy Charter School in Monroe, North Carolina. I am currently a Varsity Football starting lineman, playing offense ( Left Tackle) and defense (Defensive End/Defensive Tackle). In addition to football during the fall season, I have played basketball for an AAU organization, NC Best and on the varsity basketball team for Union Academy. I have been successful in both sports, and continue to improve my skill development with each passing season. This includes an All-Conference team member for three seasons, (Sophomore, Junior & Senior years), All County 1st team selection, All State 1st team selection, Greater Charlotte Area Offensive Lineman of the Year, and a Blue-Grey All American Bowl team selection. As I participate in both basketball and football, I am able to use techniques that I learn to cross between sports. For example, strength training in football improves my post play in basketball, while conditioning and hand coordination drills in basketball allows improved blocking and tackling in football.
Playing basketball, football, and baseball have been a part of my life since I was four years old. My mom signed me up for soccer when I was 3, and I immediately knew this was not the sport for me. When I was 4, she coached an Upward team so that I could play a year earlier. My mom has participated in sports her entire life, and still continues to play with me in pickup games, as well as coach basketball and softball. Being around sports my entire life has driven my desire to be the best I can be. My mom, as well as my grandparents, have always taught me that anything worth doing, is worth doing right. Believing in this helps me to do my best each time I am on a court or field, and more important, in my classes and school work. Playing sports has also taught me that when you put in hard work and effort, and you care to make a difference, you can do that in any part of your life. I have been able to use this away from sports and make a difference with exceptional children at a school that is close to Union Academy. I enjoy spending time with these students as part of my community service I do each month but have learned that even though I started so I could help other students, the time ends up helping me.
Along with basketball and football, I enjoy being outside riding ATVs, fishing and hunting. I enjoy all of the activities because it keeps me active. I know how important this is to keep my health and to continue to help me improve as an athlete. I am also an officer in the Junior Civitan Club and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as an active member of my church. I also volunteer for the recreational league associated with Union Academy.
My future goals are to continue to maintain my GPA, retake the SAT to improve my score, and participate in community service monthly. I will continue to play basketball and football during the rest of high school and improve my play and statistics that are related to each sport. My goal when I graduate is to pursue a higher education at a college that best fits my educational goals AND to play a sport I love, football, at the next level.
