Personal Statement
Ever since I was little I have always loved to do many sports. I was a multi-sport athlete competing in softball, gymnastics, and basketball. This is true of all the players on the competitive softball team I have been with since I was 9 years old. As I got older I loved playing these sports but found myself plateauing and I decided that I should pick one sport to focus on if I wanted to succeed at the highest level. Of course, I picked softball because I felt most passionate and saw my best potential in this sport. While sports came naturally to me as a kid, I now had to learn to work very hard and focus in order to compete at a higher level. I have always loved the game and the athleticism involved with it. But coming as far as I have has been challenging. I had to work to be that girl who did one extra set or put five extra pounds on while weight training and be the one to take ground balls and hit off the tee after practice and on my days off. Through hard work and dedication to softball, I have seen improvements in my game. My goals are to become a valuable member of a softball team in college.
Since freshman year I have been dedicated to become the best version of myself as a student and an athlete. I also recognize the importance of mental toughness training and working with a trainer to have the right mindset in the best and worst of situations. Knowing how to regulate my emotion, have a good attitude, push myself beyond comfort and know how to be a leader to my teammates has been the growth I have experienced since starting this training.
It has become a conscious habit to challenge myself every day at school and at practice. To be accepted onto a college team would prove to me that all my hard work has paid off. Every time I said no to hanging out with friends because of practice or stayed home to study will all be worth it.
As a player, I love to encourage my teammates to come to morning workouts before the sun is up in the summer or before school during the academic year. Practicing and working out with my team is a great bonding experience and a great way to turn a bunch of girls into a family. Having that sense of support with a team, having each other’s back through good and bad times. This is the difference between a team that works together and one in which girls only work for themselves.
As a student in the SOAR Honors Program at Horizon High School, I was able to participate in a self-actualization unit and took a test that identified my values. My core values fell into the categories of family, friendship and building healthy relationships with my peers. I understand how important this is to being a valuable member on a team. As I get older I realize these values create supportive competition and a sisterhood between teammates.
I will continue to work, learn and strengthen myself to be the best I can be in school and on the field.
Thank you so much for your time!
Sincerely,
Rylee Crouch (2021)
