Jadyn Torres '17 Recruiting Profile

Football Championship: The score was 56-21 as the last seconds of the clock ticked off. I looked across the field to my teammate hurting, sweating, the look of defeat in his eyes. I looked at the coaches, disappointment, but also contentment, covered their faces. We all knew it was finally over. The dream season had ended in a loss. The magic we had felt over the last couple games was gone. The San Marino Titans, a small public school known for academics, finished the Football season of a lifetime. We shattered expectations by winning the CIF Championship and then proceeded to win two more games playing against the best players in the state. We earned one of my most prized possessions, a 'CIF State Championship Ring'. After we walked off the field in Sacramento, after one of the most rewarding and exciting times of my life, there was only one thing on my mind: Basketball season.

Basketball Season: Since we had made such a long post-season run in football, I had been missing out on my primary sport where I have been a captain since junior year. Basketball is my identity and first love. Without it, I would not be there same person. It has taught me so many things and has transformed how I see my life. Some people express themselves through art, music, or writing, but for me it is basketball. Basketball is my outlet. It has helped me through tough times and has provided some of the best moments in my life. The game has taught me about trust, teamwork, and decision making and I will forever be grateful. Thinking about my future after the CIF championship, I realized I had to make a decision.

Leadership: I have always stood out in our small community as an athlete, but beyond those boundaries the competition is tougher. If I wanted any chance to play at the next level I was going to have to make a sacrifice. It was hard to give up football. People told me I would regret not playing football and they were right. Every Friday night I miss it. However, I weighed the options against and decided I would regret not devoting everything I have to playing basketball. Throughout my years playing in my school’s athletic programs, I have learned the many different roles that people play on teams. You have the obvious big roles of play-makers and vocal leaders, but as you play through many seasons with a team, you begin to appreciate the ones who are not in the spotlight, the one who take orders from leaders and the ones who stay after practices and workouts to clean up. This, I was able to bring to my team to help move up a notch in athleticism, bringing a passion and love for the game. Switching to basketball after that dream football season was tough. Coming in late into the basketball team as Captain from football season was challenging. What should have been a breakout season was a step back for us. It was crushing. However, being a leader and a starter on both teams gave me a unique perspective on team-building and dedication. Most of all, I was able to motivate my teammates to fight through and love every minute of playing basketball. It became the most enjoyable season where we grew as a team and got closer. In San Marino, kids don't dunk baskets, we play conservative basketball, but in those moments of pure enjoyment of the game, we began to dunk!

Ready for college: When I think of college, I think of one big team persevering and working together to be the best at what they do. I will bring passion, energy, and drive from the two sports I love, to succeed at the school I attend.

All-round activities:  Even though Sports has shaped me into the person that I am, it's the grit and determination to pursue any field that I put my mind to, that fuels me to do my best. These are the experiences that helped me step out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to whole new beginnings.  I realize that I’m still a work in progress, but these events helped mold me into a well-rounded student.

Running for Office:  If there is one phrase that best describes me, it would be “Going against the grain”.  Based on my family's background, you would never guess that I would excel in Sports, even though my 6'3" stature was a plus on the court.  My parents are both engineers, and never played a serious sport. As an immigrant, my Mom had to use her time optimally to make the most out of her new life and give us kids, the American dream.  They encouraged to pursue my love for basketball but also gently nudged me into using my other skills, one being the gift of conversing and entertaining. I competed in the middle-school Student Body elections and became President. 

Model United Nations Delegate:  I enjoy engaging in debates and sharing ideas from diverse perspectives, I joined the California chapter of the Model United Nations club.  In the mock UN sessions in Sacramento, I learnt global awareness and it taught me to respect and appreciate other cultures and traditions around the world.

Peer Mentoring: I have never been a shy kid.  I take my introverted friends under my wing and coax them out of their shells.  This quality was a key factor for my school counselor’s recommendation to assist in the peer mentoring classes.  I teach kids who have learning disabilities.  It warms my heart to see how eager they are to learn and embrace everything I teach them.  It was a blessing for me to learn from them and I hope to continue to be involved in helping kids even through college.

Music & singing:  I grew up in a musical family.  My Mom sings in church choirs and my Dad writes piano music.  I started playing the piano and drums at a very early age.  I also played the trumpet in our  school’s wind-ensemble for 2yrs.  With my sports schedule, I don’t have the time to practice as much, but it is still my relaxing hobby.

Martial-arts Black Belt:  I believe that my focus and dedication were also due to my background in Tae Kwon Do.  I have been competing in martial-arts since I was 8yrs old.  I got my black-belt title when I was 11.  I’m still in awe when I see the huge black-belt trophy.  At 11, it was definitely as tall as me.

Church youth group leader:  Another blessing for me was to be involved in a church youth-group.  Since my Grandfather was the first Bible Society and Lutheran President for South India, my family has always been involved in missions and church charities.  At first, I did it to join my friends in the youth group, but later I could feel the overwhelming spirit of joy as I shared my simple skills and time with the less fortunate.  When I helped build a house for a single-moms and her little kids, it was the most gratifying and humbling feeling I could ever imagine.   I also helped with the worship time, during Vacation Bible School sessions for elementary school kids.  I’m very grateful for the chance to bless others in small ways.

Basketball referee & coach: I also helped coach & ref the younger community league teams, which was challenging yet very rewarding.