- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
I was born and raised in the great state of Alaska hunting big game, whitewater rafting, hiking the Alaska Range Mountains, and dip-netting the Copper River for salmon. I enjoy pretty much any outdoor activity and spend almost all summer outside. When school starts however, there is one indoor activity that keeps me very busy and that’s basketball. I started playing basketball in the 6th grade and fell in love with the sport. Basketball has taught me the importance of teamwork and brotherhood, both on and off the court. It has given me an outlet into which to pour my passion and competitive nature.
Basketball has given me the self-confidence that I need to push myself to be the best I can be in all areas of my life, no matter what comes my way. When I was 14, I was diagnosed with stage 2 Spondylolisthesis (spinal fracture), forcing me to sit out my freshman year of basketball. However, I was still able to participate and contribute to the team as varsity manager, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the game. I saw the positive mental approach and work ethic the elite players displayed and I committed to do the same. I spent many months going through intense physical therapy with one goal in mind, “I WILL play basketball again.” I strengthened my back, body, and mind and after getting the thumbs-up from my doctor, returned to the game my sophomore year as JV captain and Varsity swinger. It was amazing to be back on the court with my brothers! The summer before my junior year, I attended an NBC Complete Player camp and earned the MVP award. Earning that award was a dream come true and really marked the point where I saw myself as fully recovered. Last season my team went 14-12. I started every game on varsity as small forward and had the highest 3 point percentage on my team (39%), earning the Most Improved Player award for my team. This summer, I have attended two basketball camps including the Alaska Basketball Academy team camp, in which my team went 8-3 receiving 3rd place, and the NBC Elite All-Star camp in Spokane, WA.
The confidence and discipline I have learned through basketball has helped me in other areas of my life as well. I really enjoy working with young children and have volunteered as an AWANA leader for the past 5 years, earning the Meritorious award. To encourage a healthy lifestyle and raise money for missionaries around the world, I organized a 5K fundraiser two years running. I also hold the rank of 3rd degree brown belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and spent three years as an assistant instructor. Lastly, I have my student pilot’s license and plan to become a flight instructor in the future. Each of these activities required the patients and solid work ethic that I have developed through playing basketball.
I take athletics and my academics very seriously, maintaining a 4.0 GPA all through high school and being a member of the National Honor Society. I plan to continue my education in Biology or Pre-med in college. Basketball has helped prepare me for life in so many ways, equipping me with skills that can be used on and off the court. With diligence and perseverance, I have grown as a student and an athlete. I believe all these characteristics have made me a strong leader and will help me to be a vital part of any team.
