Joseph Lindsay '25 Recruiting Profile

First, I would like to thank all the people who are helping me to be recruited. My coaches and trainers in Colorado, my family (especially my mom), and all of the coaches viewing my profile and following my development as a student and an athlete. Thank you!

Next, I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself, my passion, and why I think I would be a good recruit. 

Although my legal first name is Joseph, I go by my middle name, which is Conor. I was born in January 2006 in Knoxville, Tennessee. I lived in New Orleans for ten years and moved to Colorado in 2016. I am currently a 7th grader at Nativity Faith and Reason in Broomfield, Colorado, where I am not only my basketball team's top athlete but also the Secretary of the Student Council and also the student coach for the school's chess team. As a former Archdiocese of Denver chess tournament champion, and because my little brother Spencer (2nd grade) participates in the chess team, I am uniquely qualified to serve as a volunteer coach. I also really enjoy teaching both my brother and the other younger students the game of chess. 

Both of my parents played sports in college. My mom was a point guard at Spring Hill College, where she was team captain and also an NAIA two-time Academic All-American.  My dad played baseball at Yale University. Because of their insight and experiences, I am well-versed in the requirements and priorities of a student-athlete. That is one reason that I strive to maintain all As.  My education comes first, and I will never let my grades be a reason that I cannot compete in the sport I love.

I started playing basketball when I moved to Colorado. My mom was my first coach. I now play for my middle school team at Nativity Faith and Reason and also for the Colorado Rough Riders 2025 Premier team. I take a lot of pride in being a member of the Rough Riders team for a number of reasons, but the main reason I am proud of being a Rough Rider is because I tried out for the team in the Fall of 2018 but did not make the team. I was devastated, but rather than quitting, I doubled my efforts and practice time. In the Fall of 2019, I tried out for the Rough Riders again. This time, I not only made the team, I earned a starting position and hold one of the highest efficiency ratings on the team as well as being one of the leading scorers and rebounders. Through this experience, I learned a lot about perseverance and toughness. Being willing to work for something I really wanted. Setting goals and working each day towards those goals. And how good it feels to earn something.

My coaches and teammates know that I will do whatever is needed to help my team be successful. I try to play a well-rounded game each time we take the court, but my aim is to be a versatile player. If I need to look to score more or get to the basket, that is what I will do. If my team needs me to crash the boards, every rebound will be mine. If my team needs me to play lock down defense, that will be my mission. My effort and focus is not limited to games though. I also trying to bring intensity and leadership to our practices since I know that we will play the way we practice. 

I recently tried out for and was selected as the first alternate to the Under Armor Team Colorado. Once again, I was a bit disappointed to have been offered 1 of only 2 alternates spots instead of making the 8 man roster. But, I know that once we can all get back on the court together, I will be the hardest working player for Team Colorado. I will earn a spot on that 8 man roster. I did it with Rough Riders, and I will do it for this team too. Until then, I know that the effort and skill I will bring Team Colorado in practices will help all of us grow and improve as players.

These details about me, my family, and my basketball experiences should make clear why I am passionate about competing in basketball. Each time I work hard and dedicate myself to this sport, I am rewarded with opportunities. From making teams to hitting game winning shots.  And each time this game puts an obstacle in my way, it is not to make me feel bad. It is so I will work harder and dig deeper. The highs and lows of being a basketball player will continue to prepare me well for life, and along the way, I will have the pleasure of making lasting memories with my teammates. If there was ever anything a boy my age should be passionate about, it is this.

This passion and experience and character is also why I believe I will be a good recruit. I have a loving family that supports me academically, emotionally, and athletically. I place great value on my grades and also my faith. I am coachable and willing to do whatever is asked to help my team. Although I have enjoyed success as a basketball player, I have also felt utter defeat. And in response to that defeat, I have come out stronger and more determined. 

Thank you for reading my personal statement. I know I will make a great addition to a college basketball program someday. I hope it is yours!

- Conor