Enrique Padua '23 Recruiting Profile

I've always had an interest in football, but martial arts was my focus. Just enjoyed watching games on Sunday's and playing catch with friends during lunch. Covid took away a chance to play sophomore year but getting on that field junior year I instantly fell in love. I have gained more passion and love for the game whether it's practice, gameday, or hanging out with teammates. 

Martial arts has given me the foundation I need to deal with the ups and downs of life. It also added to the lessons of discipline and respect that I received at home. I have competed in martial arts since the age of 6. Kajukenbo is where it all started, and by the time I was 12 I transitioned to Muay Thai. There was even a brief amateur fight career where I was 1-1. Tournaments and matches taught me that competition was about more than just winning. It was also about learning what my weaknesses were, so I could work to improve my overall performance. The goal of being better today than I was yesterday keeps me moving forward. 

In middle school I was really into robotics and attended a couple of summer workshops. I’ve always enjoyed building things and that’s why I chose to enroll in the Engineering, Innovation, and Design at my high school. I like that the school is focused in getting you into classes that support my educational goal of becoming an engineer.