Personal Statement
Who am I?
I am a respectful, honest, and hard-working student-athlete that loves to compete. I developed the love and passion for the game in a program called Upwards Basketball. In 2019, I enrolled with TPLS Christian Academy. This program exposed me to what is expected from a player who wants to play at a college level. We spent 20 hours per week in tough practices and brutal conditioning sessions. Games were played against community colleges and great high school teams. Their program is where I gained respect and understanding of the sheer amount of work that goes into becoming a ‘final’ product to be considered. Hence, I challenge myself to do something extra every day to become a better basketball player.
I played on the Cap City Warriors varsity team. AAU DreamChasers of VA and currently play on the varsity team at Williamsburg Christian Academy whose season just ended and where I earned 2 first team all tournament awards, a first team all conference award and received an MVP award for leading my team in scoring and rebounding.
What have I learned from the coaches and mentors?
That it is a gift to be surrounded by other guys that love the game, have a military-like bond, trust and collective willingness to support each other both on and off the court.
Personally, what I have learned about myself from this sport, surprisingly, has not come from playing in the games. It is the people that have come in and influenced my life since basketball. My personal trainer, Brandon Brown, Nike Camp coach, Chris Teasley, Jr., TPLS College Coach, Chuck Moore, CAP City Coach, Kevin Brunguard and many others. These are people of tremendous character, who ultimately have chosen to share their time and knowledge with me. I apply this knowledge to my life, academics and sport.
- There is only one way to turn a weakness into a strength: Work at it.
- There is a process and to trust the process.
- Be not only committed but consistent.
- Look for opportunities to serve, lead and uplift others.
- Be an example of a life worth emulating.
I know my goal, so homework and studying are huge priorities for me. I am a student-athlete in that order. I am a solid ‘B’ student. Academics have not always been easy as I have an auditory processing disorder -- hearing impaired. I have an interest pursuing some type of Engineering degree. However, I have also considered Sports Analytics, Medical Therapy or Physical Rehab.
Besides a student-athlete. I am a history nerd and enjoy rhetorical discussions on all periods of history, playing cards, strategy games, camping, riding bikes and the beach. Participated in the Kevin Durant Drama Series, "Swagger" as a special abilities basketball player (Team Indiana) which airs on Apple TV on 10/29/21. I have grown up in a house with four generations of family. I can confidently say, that I am comfortable to talk to just about anyone.
I look forward to building relationships through NCSA and thank you for your consideration.
Thanking you in advance for a 'Follow',
-Ricky
Twitter & Instagram handle: RVS5AMBaller
804-305-6998
Previous coach: Kevin Brunguard, 540-841-1610 (Cap City Warriors)
Current Coach: Kellan Furlough 757-897-7732 (Williamsburg Christian Academy)
AAU Coach: Donovan Bridgeforth 757-291-6507 (DreamchasersVA757)
Athletic Trainer: Brandon Brown, 757-561-1911
