Jonah Graham '21 Recruiting Profile

I was 4 years old when my dad built a mini, 7-hole golf course in my back yard, complete with tee boxes, sand traps, water hazards, and golf lights so I could play at night.  I can remember how much fun it was, and I dreamt of trying out my skills on an actual course.  Once I did, I was hooked!

Athletics has always been my passion.  My dad has been instrumental in my athletic background, coaching me in basketball and baseball as a kid. He played high school sports and has taught me much about these two sports and tennis. 

I am a three-sport high school athlete who participates in tennis, basketball, and golf.  I have had many successes and achievements in all areas.  As a tennis player, I have 86 wins and only 12 losses in my four seasons.  I have earned All-Conference every year, been voted MVP every year, led my team to back-to-back-to back Sectional titles and the first Regional title in school history.  I have been voted to the All-District tennis team. In basketball, I have had varsity playing time since my freshman year and earned a starting spot my sophomore and junior years.

While I enjoy all sports, golf is really my favorite...the one sport my dad could not teach me!  So I had to find other ways of learning the game, such as, watching endless hours of the Golf Channel, watching videos on my phone, trial and error, working at my local golf course, making connections with golfers in my area, and seeking out private lessons with two-time Masters participant, Doug Fischesser, and former Xavier golfer, Jeff Lancaster.  My initiative and determination is paying off!  As a member of the high school golf team, I played #2 as a freshman and have since been at the #1 spot.  Since the start of my high school years, my 18-hole average has dropped ten strokes from an 87 to 76.  I have earned All-Conference every year.  I was voted MVP and Best Mental Attitude Award winner my sophomore season. That year, I was one of three finalists for my high school's Athlete of the Year Award.  Unfortunately, I did not get to have a golf season my junior year due to COVID-19, but I did not let that discourage me.  I have used this time to continue working on my game daily and can clearly see all facets of my game coming together.  But perhaps what I'm most proud of in my golf career is that I was sectional runner-up (qualifying me for Regionals) behind current Ohio State golfer Jake Miller, whom I tied earlier in that season, both of us shooting one-over for the round.  

While all of these accomplishments and awards are important, the time and effort I have put in to all of my sports is what brings me the most happiness and what defines me.  I will not be outworked!  I am the guy who will go out on my own two to three times a day and play 18 or 36 holes, trying different shots and different situations.  I am the guy who will go out to the tennis courts later at night, after already having practiced with my team earlier in the day, and serve until I have satisfied myself.   My tennis coach once described me as "a warrior" and said, "They don't make guys like this anymore!"  It is the greatest compliment I have every had as an athlete.  In my 200+ games and matches I have competed in so far in my high school career, I have entered each one with the confidence that my opponent may be bigger, faster, stronger or more skilled, but I will outwork him and figure out a way to win, leaving it all on the court or course.

I have achieved all of this as a tri-sport athlete and continue to get better and better, while still making it a priority to apply myself in the classroom.  With teachers, principals, and athletic directors all through my family, I know how important education is and that there are no sports if there is no classroom.  I carry a 3.5 gpa, take several dual credit classes, and will graduate with an Academic Honors Diploma.  My drive, hunger, winning spirit, and dedication to be the best, in both academics and athletics, is what I will bring to a program.