Kaela Stankiewicz '20 Recruiting Profile

        Growing up, I was always encouraged to always do what I love and make the best out of it. I have been exposed to the game of basketball since a very young age.  My brother, Seth, who is 4 years older than me, has always been my role model when it has come to the game of basketball. Watching him play with his AAU teammates, high school teammates, and now college teammates(at Bentley University) has only made the spark inside me greater to play at the next level. Watching him go through the process of recruitment amazed me as to how basketball can give someone so many opportunities not just on the court but in life.  In some sense, basketball has always been in my blood because of my brother and my dad being a high school coach. Last year, my junior season, was extremely eventful. Ten games into the season I tore my ACL. It was a very unfortunate event but I didn't really see my injury as a complete setback. Rather, my injury made me want to get back to what I loved even more. I was tested both mentally and physically and have come out on top. For the remainder of that season I saw the game in a different perspective, my IQ has grown as I began to notice the court more from the bench. My leadership skills have grown tremendously as well. From being a co-captain on the court since sophomore year, I was forced to lead from the bench; which I believe made me a more well rounded student athlete. 

     Looking forward, for my college career I plan on completing a double major in Psychology and Studio Art. Last year, I was able to take psychology as a high school junior. I absolutely feel in love with the course. I am baffled with how the human brain works and how different things impact certain parts and functions within the brain. As for art, I have always been on the more creative side of things. Throughout my high school career I have become more and more attached to art; as it allows me to express myself to the world. After completing my four years of college I intend to go into either the Navy or the Air Force with my degree in Psychology. I never truly thought of serving my country until the fall of 2019. My grandfather, who has lived with us for 8 years served in the Navy which is ultimately my desire to serve in honor of his name. He passed away when I was in the fourth grade and he was worried that I was too young I'd forget about him. So this is my way of telling him that he is still a huge part of my life. My goal is to complete my four years of college so I can go into the service as an officer so I can help the soldiers and their families.