Joseph Padilla '20 Recruiting Profile

     Being the youngest of four children, I grew up watching my older brothers play basketball. They were outstanding athletes but came up short academically. My primary focus so far through my school career has been my academics. I attend one of the most rigorous high schools in the state of Colorado and have worked diligently as a committed student athlete. In the past year, I trained outside of the basketball season to expand my athletic skill set to match my academic accomplishments. Through this work, I have proven to myself, my coaches, and my peers that a strong worth ethic can be applied to all parts of your life and supports success toward goal attainment.

     When I was six years old, my aunt was murdered, and my cousins came to live in my home until they graduated from high school. Through this tragedy, my family experienced shifts in relationships and emotional and financial needs of the family.  By age ten, I saw how hardship can sometimes lead to poor choice making and, ultimately, failures. I consciously make decisions daily to positively impact my personal, academic, and athletic goals.   

     I was the vocal leader on my team this season as captain and have inspired my teammates to raise their expectations for themselves. My goal is to align my academic goals with an opportunity to continue playing the sport I love at the next level.