Personal Statement
I started playing football at nine years old. I brought home a flyer from school one day about a pee-wee football team in town and my parents supported my decision of playing football. The main reason I started playing football was that I was getting into some trouble at school and I needed to change my character. I knew even at that young age that I needed structure. I loved playing sports and wanted to be part of a team and show myself, my friends and my family that I could be a great student athlete. Football quickly became more than a game, it became my passion! Football is the greatest game because just like in real life football has struggles. But just like in real life when you get knocked down in football you have to get up and keep trying to be successful. You need a family to succeed in life and you need the team to succeed in football. No other sport prepares you for life and teaches you life lessons like football.
Since I began playing football my grades have improved (my current GPA is 3.5) and I have become a better overall student athlete and person. I have learned the value of working hard, balancing priorities and team work. I have also learned that doing what is best for the team is more important than doing what I want. I have played the positions my coaches felt were best for the team. Whether it was tight end, wide receiver, linebacker or safety I played hard, studied the position and did my best for the team. I have always been strong and fast and I use those talents as well as listening to my coaches and team-mates to get better. I do not take criticism personally. I know that as long as my coaches are correcting my mistakes (no matter how small) that I am getting better.
Education is the most important thing for my future. I realized that without getting the grades I wouldn't be able to play football, baseball or any sport and that has motivated me to become a better student-athlete. When I first stepped onto the field I had no knowledge of the game and I knew that I would have to study football just like I studied for my classes in school. I was a rookie playing with veterans and I knew from that point on if I wanted a starting position I would have to work harder than anybody else on the team. I knew I needed to study my playbooks, listen during practice and make the adjustments my coaches explained to me. I need the grades in high school to move forward to college so I can get the education I need to be a successful adult. I also have to stay educated on football so I can continue to grow as an athlete and help my team and team-mates succeed!
My parents are my biggest supporters. They provide me with all I need to become successful. Not just the cleats and shoulder pads but the love, support, guidance, direction and structure needed to be a lifelong success. They support me through thick and thin and only want the best for me. All my hard work, whether its lifting weights after school or working on my speed with my trainer at the gym pays off when I see the smile on their face because everything that I have done is made possible by them and their love for me.
