Jayden Bassler '19 Recruiting Profile

I grew up in an athletic family. From my parents to my great-grandparents. Sports have always been a part of me. 

I had interest in high jump and long jump this year because of my growth and working on my vertical for basketball. I decided to do both baseball and track my junior year. It was hard not to do baseball because my grandpa and uncle are the coaches. So this year I was only able to do track if I didn’t have baseball and I realized early that I found a passion in jumping.

I live in a small town with a last name that everyone knows. I’ve always wanted to be different and make my own mark for myself, not because of my last name. Track is where this happened. I was able to focus on my strengths and what I was good at. I was able to improve every meet. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy this sport more than any other. I was able to participate in only a couple meets prior to our league meet. I cleared 6 foot for the first time at league. Moving on to Districts, it was pouring down rain and I won by clearing 5’10. At Regionals I cleared 6 foot on my first try and then also cleared 6’2 for the first time. This got me 4th place and qualified to state. At state I cleared 6’2 on my first try. At 6’4 I should’ve cleared it but I dropped my butt too early. I know with more training and better form that 6’4 is reachable. In long jump I never got my steps right which led to a disappointing end to the season.

I want to finish my high school with a GPA of at least 3.3. My goals for college is to continue growing in my track and field career along with learning and figuring out what I want to be when I grow up.

My mom is the girls track coach ,so I get access to the track whenever, this summer I plan on getting a lot of work and training in at the track. This helps a lot, especially with baseball being in the way of me getting in the practice time needed this season. I have played numerous sports in my high school career. Golf, Basketball, Baseball, and track. This fall I am taking the time off to train and focus on track. In the winter I will play basketball and earn my second year varsity letter.

I am open to any and all schools. I would like to be somewhat close to home so that my family can support me on easier terms. It feels like I am at the very beginning of my track career and I am not ready to give that up after my senior year. Im dedicated and determined to continue doing this after high school. It’s more than just jumping to me. It’s something that has helped build my confidence and made me realize what can happen when I set goals. My goal for next year is 6’7 in High Jump and 22 feet in long jump by the end of next year. I know with the proper training and technique that these will be achieved.