Cailen Graham '22 Recruiting Profile

As long as I can remember, my mom and I have talked about college and me earning an athletic scholarship to get a good education.  My mom went to college on a basketball scholarship. So, whether I was going to college was never a question – the question has always been where and which sport I would play in college! Even though I have played basketball since I was 3 years old and football since I was 6, I really didn’t start thinking about playing sports at the college level until I went to middle school. Also, making good grades was never an option in my house - my parents and grandparents demanded it.  However, in 7^th grade, after working really hard, getting all As in every class every grading period, and earning the President's Award for Educational Excellence, I began wanting to make good grades for myself.  I am very disciplined and studious. When I set my mind to do something, I get it done. I have always earned all As and Bs in all my classes, while being involved in my church, community service, the school choir and chess club in addition to playing football and basketball. My mom says that she wants me to grow up to be a “well-rounded” person, but I just enjoy doing a lot of different things.  Lastly,and most important I am a Christian. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a young age. My faith in God is very important to me, and I know that has made the biggest difference in my life.  I chose to go to Episcopal High School because one of the four main focuses or pillars of the school is religion and helping students grow in their spiritual lives.

Being an athlete helps me stay focused on my goals and work hard to be reach them. I know school always comes first, and that I have to keep my grades up if I want to play. So, even though I like playing video games, I know I cannot spend all my time doing that because I have to study, go to practice, go to training and do my other activities. I thrive on the competition that comes with playing sports, but I also enjoy the brotherhood of being on a team and working with my teammates. I am always very respectful towards my coaches, referees and teachers – my parents and grandparents do not play talking back or having a bad attitude with adults.  I do what is asked of me to the best of my ability.  However, if I disagree or have strong feelings about a problem or important issue, my parents have taught me to voice my concerns and opinions in a respectful way and at the right time. 

I am a leader, both on and off the field/court. I also like meeting new people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.  It helps expose me to alternative ways of learning and thinking in a positive way, and it helps me to accept people as they are.  So, I am looking for a college/university with a diverse environment, where I can get a quality education and earn a degree that will allow me to be accepted into top graduate schools and/or get a good job in the career a choose.  I am also looking for a college/university with an athletics program that is viewed as an important part of school culture and treats its student athletes with respect, as well as a football program with great coaches that care about developing players both on the field and off.  I want a school that will challenge me, but will also allow me the freedom to change, grow and develop academically, athletically and socially into the man I believe God has called me to be.