- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
Ever since I stepped onto the ice for the first time at 2 years old, I have had an inextinguishable passion for the game of hockey. I do not simply play hockey, I am a hockey player. Hockey is not just a sport that I play, but a lifestyle I live, and I hope to continue that for as long as my hockey career can possibly take me. Ever since seeing my first college hockey game at 7 years old, it has been my dream to play D1 college hockey and proudly represent the school on my jersey.
Consistently being a point leader on my teams each season has taught me dependability, but it did not come naturally. I believe that I am unique from other players because of my passion, work ethic, competitiveness, and willingness to work to improve, all of which help me to be a successful hockey player. My work ethic brings the best of my skills out in the workout room and during practice, while my passion and competitiveness are evident when playing in games. I strongly believe that no matter how good you are, you can always get better, and because of this I spend 45 minutes at the rink before every practice and after every practice stick handling and shooting pucks until the rink manager turns the lights off on me, a clear example of my willingness to work to improve my skills. Yes, this is time consuming and I do get home late on school nights, however my proactiveness and time management allow me to finish all my homework before practice. And, my 4.0 GPA is evidence of my ability to effectively manage my time and be equally successful with hockey and in school. Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I am filled with passion which I use positively to drive myself to success. I simply cannot accept failure when I know I can succeed. Adults often remark my sense of humor, intellect, and well-mannered personality. These traits are essential in being a good leader, which many of my classmates, teammates, teachers, and adult influences would consider me to be.
Hockey without a doubt consumes much of what's left of a high school student's already busy schedule, which is why I can say I dedicate my life primarily to hockey and academics. I take high accountability for getting exceptional grades in school. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for all of junior high, and my freshman, sophomore, and now current junior year of high school at North Farmington through my rigorous class schedule. I have never taken a regular class when honors is available, last year I took AP world history and received a high A, and this year I am taking AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP Language, along with honors physics, med skills (as I aspire to study pre-med in college), civics, and economics. I enjoy going to school and learning new things, and I also have been known to help other kids better their learning when they don't understand concepts in class. I have also been a varsity cross country runner for 2 years now, with a 5k PR of 17:49. Running competitively is an activity that I enjoy, but my enjoyment of running is simply incomparable to the burning passion I have for hockey.
This year I am playing for the Victory Honda Selects in the National Junior Prospects Hockey League. I have learned so much from my coach, Matt Mosley, and I can see myself applying new knowledge and skills in-game as well. My teammates and I have unbelievable chemistry together on and off the ice, and although when we voted for captains my teammates did not know me well enough to vote for me to wear a letter, I am confident that any one of them now would consider me a team leader. I am also currently one of the top 2 point leaders, balancing my goals with my assists, both of which are important to provide for the benefit of the team.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach my academic and athletic goals through college. I am committed to put in whatever time and work required to help me meet expectations and beyond. I sincerely appreciate your time and hope to be considered as a student athlete that you would want to see playing for you in the near future.
-Ryan Berke
