Jackson Barnes '18 Recruiting Profile

Before my freshman year in high school, I thought I was going to quit basketball and not be a part of the Bainbridge High School basketball program. I was overwhelmed and intimidated by the intensity and physical abilities of the upperclassmen and I did not see myself as talented enough to belong. I knew it would be easier to quit; however, I decided to persist, making sure coaches saw me at every workout and every open gym. That off-season, my mindset shifted and I began to see my strengths.  I began to visualize how I wanted to contribute to my team in the upcoming season.  Committing to the High School Basketball philosophy as a freshman taught me the importance of mental strength, and how talent level doesn't matter as long as you show up every day and complete every task to the best of your ability.  The lessons I learned my freshman season carried me through my sophomore year where I was called up to varsity for the final games of the season and got my first varsity letter. Those lessons also stayed with me throughout my junior season, where I was a starter and had a much more crucial role to fill on my team. I grow as a player every season, but it was the doubt I felt during my freshmen year and my refusal to quit that laid the foundation for my successful high school career as a varsity player. 

I have also found that those same lessons of determination have extended to all areas of my life. The importance of mental strength and hard work is universal. Whether it's in the classroom or in the workplace, I always find myself the most successful when I keep my mindset positive and work through adversity. Using this ideology, I've found success in the classroom and I've been able to hold a job as an equipment cleaner at a local gym for almost two years. I want to extend this pattern of success to the college classroom and college basketball court.

I believe that the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have had during high school athletics and academics have prepared me for the college basketball experience; I'm ready to take on the challenge. Basketball has taught me the importance of hard work and mental toughness.  No matter what my future holds I know I will have to face adversity much like I had to my freshman year in high school, and I am excited to accept the challenge. 

Currently Talking to:

 - Pacific Lutheran