Samantha Madrid '19 Recruiting Profile

It has been my long term goal and dream to play collegiate basketball. Ever since I was little, I had a ball in my hands and I was always shooting hoops. In the house, my mom would have to tell me to stop dribbling around cause I was making too much noise. I just always wanted to improve my skills from the start. I never was the most talented kid; not the fastest or strongest, but my strengths were that I would work hard. I don't believe giving up is ever the answer. It just sounds so ridiculous to give up simply because something got hard. The hard is good and builds one's strengths.

Since I was home schooled till my freshman year, I had a lot of time on my hands and was able to practice everyday. I worked on my shot a lot until it just became like breathing for me.  As I kept working, the competition got harder but that helped me get better.  At high school, I'm always found with a basketball in my hands; even on the non-game days.  I carry one with me cause I always feel ready to work. This game gives me something to look forward to and I want to continue with this passion after high school.

As being part of a team, I am constantly trying to help make those around me better. Not exclusively on the court but also in life as well. I strive to get everyone involved because I believe we all have an important role on a team and it's a responsibility to fulfill it. I also believe that it's my job to make my teammates jobs easier. They have a role and I don't need to make that job harder. I play to bring out the best strengths in those around me. I believe I am an extremely hard worker who has the work ethic and is willing to put in the time outside of practice to better myself for my team. I'm the type of athlete to show up before practice and start putting in the work before the others arrive and stay after till the whole team is gone. I don't believe in only reaching the bare minimum but rather pushing to the next level; to a new level, not only as an athlete but also as a student.

Academics are very important and I always stay on top of my grades. That is a top priority. I feel that everything belongs in it's place. When I'm in school I need to focus on that and when I'm competing, I give all my heart to the game. I feel that I am an absolute team player and when I step out on the court, I'm going to do everything I can to help the team secure that win. I get along with everyone and am a leader, both on and off the court. Basketball brings me the joy of watching and helping others succeed. I feel this talent is a gift that God has given me and it is my responsibility to grow as an athlete; that's my way of returning thanks to Him. I believe that in whatever I do, I give my absolute best effort because I'll never know when that last moment is.