Vincent Perry '24 Recruiting Profile

     The aspiration to pursue higher education while playing football isn’t a unique dream, yet for me, it’s been the driving force behind my every effort. It’s the dream that wakes me up at dawn, propelling me to the gym, and keeps me awake until the late hours, ensuring readiness for the tests that follow. However, this journey isn’t without its obstacles. I grapple with Tourette’s Syndrome.

     In my earlier years, my tics were frequent and noticeable, particularly the impulse to cover my mouth when nervous, excited, stressed, or focused. Unsurprisingly, this didn’t earn me any popularity points. Nevertheless, I persisted in the classroom, refusing to let Tourette’s define my capabilities.

     It was in the third grade when my parents signed me up for football and it entered my life for the first time, a turning point that reshaped my world. From the moment that helmet graced my head, everything shifted. It was beneath that helmet that I couldn’t cover my mouth; I had to teach myself to control the tics. The football field became my solace, the one place where I felt like an equal among peers. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on that field.

     Gradually, I realized I wasn’t merely blending in; I excelled. Football became my passion, my sanctuary. The thrill of making a game-changing sack or executing a crucial tackle for a loss was nothing short of exhilarating. Its intensity rivaled the gratification of earning an A after hours of preparation for an exam.

     On both the academic front and the field, surrender was never an option. Through unwavering dedication, I earned a sport on the all-state team by my junior year, balancing athletic achievements with a GPA consistently over 3.6 throughout my academic journey. My education is important to me. I will never have an eligibility issue.

     My journey with Tourette’s has significantly subsided, nearly unnoticeable now. Overcoming these hurdles has bestowed upon me the invaluable skill of self-advocacy, understanding what it takes to achieve success. I am unwavering in meeting expectations, prioritizing my education, and ensuring eligibility remains unwavering.

     I am receptive and adaptable, eager to learn and contribute my attributes to campus life. I possess not only the dedication to enhance my skills but also the capability to elevate my team’s success. Given the opportunity to be a part of your team, I assure you, it’s a decision you won’t regret.