Alex Vatrachki '21 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement 

I have been competing in all kinds of sports my whole life. 10 years ago, when I was still back home in Bulgaria, was the first time I picked up a basketball. That day my life changed, I now had a new purpose. Throughout the 8 years I spent with my club in Bulgaria we became a family and I fell in love with the game. When I was 14 I got selected to play for the U14 national team, however during the training camps leading up to to the FIBA junior world cup I got injured and was out indefinitely. Just like that in less than a minute I lost everything I had worked for and everything I had dreamed about. Not being able to compete and play the game I loved was extremely hard on me it felt like a part of me was missing. However in those 6 months I had one thing in mind, and that was my return. It taught me how I shouldn’t take anything for granted and how much harder I have to work if I want to stay at the top. As soon as I was cleared I started my grind and we went on to win back to back national championships and numerous international events.

My family and I decided that it would be best for me to move to the U.S. for highschool as it would be better for my basketball growth and college opportunities. This was a big step for me, moving away from my family, team, friends, the place I grew up, and having to start a completely new life in a totally different country with a different language while leaving everything I know behind. This was a scary decision and the biggest one of my life so far but after imagining myself one day playing at the collegiate level in front of all those people, staying in Bulgaria didn’t even cross my mind. I was ready to risk everything just for the chance of achieving my goals one day.

Ever since I moved I have been competing and continuously working hard on getting better and stronger by the day. Having played a totally different style of the game in Europe had its perks as my basketball IQ is way above anyone else out there on the court. Even though currently when I am being used as a big man I am able to make passes and see plays that even guards can't. However, getting accustomed to the selfish basketball that is played here at the high school level is still hard as I have it embedded in me that team success is more important than personal achievements. Basketball has taught me many things about how to be a great leader on and off the court. It’s taught me respect, work ethic, and to never give up, which are 3 major things that are needed even outside of the gym if you want to be successful and achieve your goals.

I have a good mid range and perimeter shot. I can also finish strong at the rim. I am an excellent passer, rim  protector and rebounder. I have the ability to make any team better by making my teammates around better. Most importantly I am extremely coachable as I am always open for improvements and adding stuff to my game. I am very versatile forward and can play the new positionless basketball. I’ve played in front of big crowds before and pressure doesn’t affect my game one bit. I am always ready for that last big shot to win the game.

I am more than prepared to give it everything I got, all I need is the right college to give me that chance to prove myself and bring success to the team.