Personal Statement
Be Humble. This is the simple, yet important advice that I got from the first basketball coach I ever had. This is the advice that I follow every day. It helps me to be a better athlete, teammate, student, and son. It helps me to be a better Leader.
I would like to say that I found basketball at a very young age, but the truth is that basketball found me. What started as a recreational activity through the YMCA turned in to a passion, almost overnight. From the age of 5, I worked tirelessly to learn the game of basketball. It was my unwavering drive and discipline that kept me going; it was my Coaches and Teammates that pushed me to compete, improve, set goals, and surpass those goals. in 6th grade, I was selected to join a Division I AAU team, and I knew the competition would be greater than I'd ever experienced - even on my own team. During my second season with the team, I worked with my coach to set goals for myself. By the middle of the season, I had earned a starting position and averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Our small team of 6 competed both regionally and nationally, making it to the Championship game in 5 out of 7 tournaments.
My Leadership skills and determination have also helped me a great deal in school. I hold a 3.5 average in school, which I work hard to maintain. My hope is to become a member of National Honor Society and continue to serve on Student Council. I am involved in Colts Care, an organization that helps families and organizations in need. Giving back is important to me. Using the influence that I have at my school has helped others to join Colts Care also, and it is a good feeling to lead by example and see others follow.
The highest complement I've ever received came from my Coach, when he told me I was the most coachable player he's ever had. To quote Michael Jordan, "My best skill was that I was coachable. I was a sponge and aggressive to learn." I take pride in the work I've put in to becoming the best player and teammate I can be. I look forward to opportunities to lead on the court and at a University where hard work and perseverance pays off.