Reader,
I am a hard hitting, fast and gritty left defenseman with aspirational goals of attending college and playing at a very competitive level. I believe my hard work, fierce compete, and strong leadership qualities set me up for success at both the education/learning side of college as much as it will on the ice.
For years, starting at a very young age (started skating at 2.5 with my father), I have been told by coaches that my level of compete that is much higher than my years. This comes naturally in both games and practice situations where I strive to help myself and others lift their game to a higher level. I often use myself as the example of working hard every shift and in every drill showing to others that giving everything is the only way to be successful, win or lose. I believe and have been told that this is what makes a great teammate, but also will allow me to continue to learn to be a great leader.
I am strong and I am determined. This is what sets me apart in athletics. Whether physical size and strength, mental grit, or pure determination, I want to be on the best side of who I can be in life. Supportive parents and a great home have allowed me to become the young man I am today. So why this would be important to you is because I am a competitor and I want to be a part of or support something special. In addition to this, my teammates have always become my brothers on the ice and off. I support and stand up for them as much as myself, I don't intimidate easy and therefore my teammates have always known I have their backs from the ice to regular life.
I have ADD! This makes me special too. I have to work hard for my grades, where sports comes naturally. I have to focus to achieve. The connection for you should be this, I work hard in everything I do because I have had to learn at a young age that nothing comes without hard work and determination and being open and honest when I need help and guidance. I am different, but that is my superpower.
Brayden Hawkins-Shadbolt