Personal Statement
Hello! My name is Benjamin La Prad. I am a student athlete at Macomb High School, a 2A high School located in Illinois. At the high school level, I've had the opportunity to pursue many different athletic and academic opportunities. Just some of my academic opportunities include being a selected member of our school's youth leadership organization (MYLO), elected to student council, and performing in both MGH's concert/marching band and concert choir. I also participate in several types of community service in my community.
Some of my athletic opportunities include participating in varsity level sports. I am a second year varsity soccer captain (four year varsity player), three year varsity swimmer, approaching four years of high school track following state level competitions in both track and cross country in junior high. Due to COVID-19 and shifting sports schedules, I'll be participating in Cross Country this year as well. I take advantage of year round training, club sports and summer camps.
My collegiate goal is to run track at the college level , while also getting an education in the environmental sciences. At the collegiate level I want to improve my times in events such as the 400 and 800. My goal is at least a 45/46 400, and a sub 1:50 800 at the collegiate level.
Whether it be in academics or athletics, I perform extremely well under stressful conditions. I have learned to look at every opportunity as a way to grow and improve myself. I appreciate constructive advice, listen to my coaches, and apply what they tell me with confidence in a variety of situations making sure to apply what I learn from each individual performance to the next. I enjoy tough competition as it makes me a better athlete and makes for a better experience for me personally and for my team. As a teammate, I am a reliable asset both during competition and practice. I am willing to listen and help out with others in any way I can contribute. My teams have more than once honored me with an award that recognizes my commitment to the team and to hard work.
I believe that over all, I possess a strong academic and athletic record. Things like a 21 day North Carolina Outward Bound experience that included extreme teamwork, leadership skills, and solo work has added to developing maturity and a sense of perseverance in anything I want to achieve.
