David Heard '23 Recruiting Profile

I believe that my biggest gift is my love for the sport and my determination to be better tomorrow than I am today. It is very important to me to be a contributor and to encourage my teammates.  In order for my goals to be met, I must follow the instructions of the coaches with the same passion as if I am working out.  This year was my first year running outdoor track, as I played baseball last spring. This season was very exciting because I learned three new events. While at various practices this past season, the coaches approached and asked if I would try the high jump, long jump and the triple jump. I was already participating as a runner in other events. Coach explained to me that I was not just a track athlete, but an athlete overall, even beyond track. I believe in my coaches. Therefore, I believed I could perform these new events. My progress was fast, as I practiced individually when the others went home. Coach explained to me that my taking on these three new endeavors would help the team and that was all i need to hear. The team is important to me. At the end of the season during the Regional Championships, I placed fourth in the long jump, fifth in the triple Jump, and eighth in the high jump. In Maryland the Regionals are the step below the State Championships for Track & Field. I received much encouragement from others as they learned that these events were totally new for me. I thought about this reality and have been excited to think of what could be done, if further training is received regarding these events.  Coach indicated to me that I have been going on instinct and desire. Coach indicated that additional training is needed to compete at the next level.

I am a team player and all of this writing with the use of the personal pronoun "I" is not my personality. It is clear to me that this is my time to talk about myself. If given the opportunity, my goal is to be the best that I can be. I will be a positive example of hard work, honesty, and reliability. I look forward to continuing my learning and training in all aspects of my track and field events. More importantly, I am going to work go hard at my academics this year as a senior to improve my grades. That is most important at this time and for the next level.

My coaches have recognized my efforts to be an encourager to other team members. Prior to the start of the outdoor season last year, the school newspaper included me as one of the Athletes of the week at the recommendation of coach for mentoring and teaching new team members. At the end of the season the coaches recognized me as they awarded me the UNSUNG HERO and the SPORTSMANSHIP awards.  I believe that as team members we have to help each other to believe that we can make each other stronger.