- July 2022 TOC Highlights
Personal Statement
Hello, my name is Sydney Baller and I am heading into my Senior year this Fall. From the time I began playing basketball in 1st grade, I have been driven by my love of the game, my fierce competitive spirit, and pushing myself and those around me to always get better. I am a tireless and disciplined worker on and off the court. I currently have a 4.39 GPA and will continue to pursue rigorous academics. I am especially interested in math and science. I was the only freshman at my school, Valor Christian High School, to make full-time varsity and letter my freshman year, and we went to the Colorado 5A Final Four. My Sophomore year we were the CO 5A State Champions and this past year we lost in the championship in a nail-biter to our big rival, Grandview. Over the years I have trained with and played with and against some of the best players in the country including Lauren & Siena Betts, and Raegan Beers; and several other McDonald's All-American candidates from Colorado. I believe my basketball IQ, speed, defense, and ball handling skills are my strengths. I work hard to continue developing in those areas while also working on getting stronger and to improve my shooting. I train with a top strength & agility coach, and I also work with one of the best shooting coaches in the area. My club team is the top B & B Academy 17U Elite Black team. We are having a solid season, and it has been a great experience traveling and playing with girls from all over the greater-Denver area. Additionally, I enjoy Track & Field and qualified for State this year (my first year trying) in the High Jump. I also play soccer for my high school and for Real Colorado, and I enjoy playing pickleball and waterskiing. I am confident that playing other sports has helped me to become an even better basketball player. This year I will be President of the Chemistry Club and have also been a member of TSA where I finished 1st and 3rd in State and qualified for Nationals. I am also a peer tutor. Outside of school and sports, I love to spend time with my family. We enjoy road trips, camping, amusement parks, and every year we travel to Juarez, Mexico to build houses, visit orphanages, and serve meals in partnership with local churches. I have also had the opportunity to do service projects with my school as well as help with Special Olympics. After high school, I hope to continue serving in my community, pursue a high level of academics, and to compete at the next level.
