Val Taylor ‘18 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

My name is Val Taylor and I have devoted my whole future into running. I've ran the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m relay, and 4x200m relay.  But I've made a drastic change from sprinting to distance running. I'm planning on my upcoming track season to run in the 400m race, as well as many distance races as possible. I have just finished my cross country season, and my best time is 23:08.94 not the best but I am working on trying to improve and get a time of 20:00 by my junior year. I was never into running, but I come from a father that ran track and held a school record, so running is in my blood, I just never knew it until 8th grade, when I decided at the last minute to go to a track practice. 

I've been pushed into many directions and obstacles my whole life. I was always interested into dance, cheer, and gymnastics, and never saw myself as a runner. Because of having a long line of knee and back problems in both sides of my family, as well as finding out that I have an uneven hip, it never made anything easy for me. In the fall of my freshman year I was apart of cross country for the 1st time, but had to end my season early due to Achilles tendinitis. I then joined wrestling for the 2nd year in a row, but only as a manger. We only have a guys team so a ton of people were against me being on the team, considering it's a "guys sport." I plan on joining my sophomore year. Transitioning into track, I would have the hugest drive to be successful. I made it my ultimate goal to improve and take care of my body. I signed up for strength class during the school day, and right after school I would go straight to track practice. During meets, If I wasn't able to participate, I would help take care of others that are hurt or injured, I would cheer on everyone, and warm up with the whole team even though I wasn't obligated to.

Keeping a clear and focused mind on my schooling and athletics, and support from others around me, is what gives me the drive to be the best. I know that of right now, I want to go to college for Culinary. Being apart of sports is my one goal in life, but learning the ways around the kitchen is a must. I want to one day, empower others to be the best they can ultimately be. Even if it's not the best out of everyone, you're still trying your hardest and that's what matters. Getting better starts with questions, like, do I need to change my form? Or does the sauce need more cilantro? What are others doing that i'm not doing? If you ignore the red flags, you won't improve and that's what I had to figure out. 

Academically, my goal is to take everything day by day and excel in school. I want to make the best decision on where to go to college, and make sure I get the best career for myself. I guess you could say I haven't been the smartest peanut in the peanut gallery; I struggled with school all in elementary and middle school, but once freshman year hit, my focus on school improved and I went from barely passing, to having A's and B's. I want to get at least a 3.0 GPA by the end of my sophomore year, and go higher throughout high school. I will continue to be involved in activities, and many opportunities my school and community has to offer. 

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile and reading my statement. I wish to hear from you!

Val Taylor