Shawn Toney '22 Recruiting Profile

Ever since I was a little kid, I first handily witnessed and admired my older brother run and compete at a high level. From a young age, he pushed me to be great and installed my hurdling passion that carries on to this day. Not only was he a mentor to me, but a role model who has pushed me to become better every day in a form of friendly, yet intense, brotherly competition. Like my brother did, I too have a dream to run at the next level and to grow not only out on the field but academically as well.  As I made my high school track & field debut, I was met with fierce competition by the upperclassman. Every day I would go out and compete with the goal to outwork everyone else on the field, and this mindset led me to success. 

Most athletes would be upset to not be the top runner on the team, but I saw this as an opportunity to chase success and become the best version of myself. Through the ins and outs of everyday competition, my fellow teammate and I are ranked #1 and #2 for our section and ranking within the top 25 of the state of California for the 300H. With my teammate gone next year, I have to push myself to become better on an individual level, bringing out my true work ethic, coachability, and mindset for success. 

One thing that sets me apart from other recruits is my versatility. Throughout my high school career, I have carried a 4.57 GPA, demonstrating a high level of rigor and success. On top of this, I have succeeded athletically, being named the 2019-2020 Sophomore Athlete of the Year and the 2020-2021 Junior Athlete of the Year.  To combine these attributes, I was named the 2018-2019 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and the 2019-2020 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, highlighting my persistence, passion, and drive to succeed in any environment. These awards were given based on responses from teachers and coaches who personally know me, emphasizing the good character, leadership, and success they have seen. No matter where I end up, I am confident that I will make an immediate impact and demonstrate to you my passion athletically and academically.