Damian Frias II '21 Recruiting Profile

“Did you see his little legs moving?” “Damn, he beat the dog back!” My speed was first noticed on that hot, humid evening after hurricane Katrina left us with no power. I was three and my family was hanging outside with family and friends. I wondered off with the dog a couple houses down to our neighbors. Something spooked both me and the dog, and we took off running towards home. I remember cheers and concern for what spooked us. Until this day, I still don’t know what scared me.

My first sport was track and field at six years old. Followed by football at seven and then baseball at ten. With my athletic ability and speed, I was able to help my track team earn points to win overall at meets; my football teams make it to the final rounds of playoffs; and my baseball teams win local league championships. I have qualified twice for Junior Olympics (USATF) but was unable to go because we couldn’t afford to go at the time. I stepped away from sports when I was around twelve years old because it wasn’t fun anymore and I wanted to pursue other interests.

I came back to sports in high school; baseball my sophomore year and track and field my junior year. I even trained at the local boxing gym with the youth team. I enjoy playing baseball again and the camaraderie of the team. I get excited and even more motivated when I break down my times in track.  Playing sports has helped me build character. It teaches you grit, self-discipline, honesty, and delayed gratification (which I sometimes struggle with). Playing sports has taught me about setting meaningful short-term goals and long-term goals that are attainable in school and life. I was well on my way to accomplishing my goals in track (I ran state qualifying times in the 100m & 400m) and baseball for the Spring 2020 season (Our team was off to a good start at 5-2, I was racking up stolen bases and hits, and no errors defensively). Unfortunately, the season was cut short. While being quarantined at home, I continue to work out and practice skills. While I’m disappointed about this season, I’m looking forward to having a great season next year.

My goal is to earn an athletic scholarship to help earn a degree in Chemistry or Animal Sciences. I would love the opportunity to play sports at the college level. I am dedicated, a team player, and hard worker. I think I would be an asset to any team and school.