Personal Statement
"Get better on 3......1,2,3, GET BETTER". This chant, while so simple, is so powerful, and it is one which I say with my AAU teammates every time we end a training session or practice. While these words seemed rudimentary when I first started training with B5 Academy Basketball in 2017, little did I know that these words would begin to mold and shape my very being. It would be a year later that I would make the Varsity basketball team at Colgan High School, Manassas, VA as a true freshman, and the following year enroll at Christ Chapel Academy, Woodbridge, VA, where I would also be selected to play at the varsity level in the VISAA Division III Conference. It was playing for the Lions of Christ Chapel where I would begin to get better on the court, and learn when to play as a lion and humble myself as a lamb. I became an intimidating sixth-man, which eventually allowed me to move into a starting position against high-powered offenses and become recognized at the end of the season with the Individual Intensity Award. Getting better was becoming a way of life, but it wasn't on the basketball court where I would draw the connection between the familiar chant and the plan for my life -- it was during Bible study. During study, I stumbled upon Philipians 3:14, which encourages humanity to press toward high marks. Verse 15 of that same chapter goes on to encourage us to strive for perfection, and although none of us will ever obtain it, we are called to pursue it. For years, the chant to "get better" applied only to basketball. Now, the chant forged with Philippians 3:14 has become my destiny.
For me, the road to perfection begins with my faith, but I also know that faith without works is dead. As a true sophomore, I pride myself on my desire to be an eternal student of the game. This coachability and humility is balanced by my intensity both on the court and in the classroom. As an Honor Roll student, my quest for excellence never ceases. Just when I think I have learned so much about something, I realize I have so much more to learn. This is what helps to keep me grounded while continually pressing toward the high mark.
As I look toward the future, I am reminded by my parents, pastor and coaches that we all have a responsibility to help and serve others as we pursue greatness. Living in a world where temptation is all around, I am grateful that so many great people have influenced and supported my journey. I want to help all people accomplish great things. As a bilingual (Spanish) honors student, I understand that communication is key. If I can not effectively communicate with people and/or my teammates, success is virtually impossible. Collegiately, I plan to major in Sports Management to prepare for a future in collegiate level basketball coaching and recruitment. My dream is to help build collegiate athletic programs from the bottom up and help individuals when the odds are stacked against them. For me, this would be my way of giving back to generations of elite athletes and future leaders.
For a game that has given so much to me already, it is my responsibility to give everything that I have to enhance its growth and development. That mission starts now with my continued dedication, which will then allow me to positively affect others. In doing so, I believe this world will be a better place, and it will all be because of our collective faith; our work; our pressing toward the high mark; and, our passion to always get better on 3.
