Jackson Price '23 Recruiting Profile

I grew up playing soccer because I was raised in a family of soccer players. Although I enjoyed the sport, I discovered my passion when I stepped onto a basketball court in middle school.

As I dribbled the basketball, and stared at the basketball hoop, I knew that not only did I want to make that shot, but I wanted to make every shot thereafter because I knew I wanted to be a point guard on a university’s basketball team.

I used my soccer skills, including footwork, speed, understanding of offense and defense, and teamwork mentality, as the foundation upon which I built. With the help of coaches, and my dedication and discipline, I learned to dribble, pass, rebound and shoot.

I felt discouraged at times not only because of my own progress, which felt slow, but because of external setbacks. At the beginning of my sophomore year, my high school basketball team lost its coach, whom I greatly enjoyed playing for and immensely respected.

Simultaneously, it was the Covid-19 Pandemic. I attended virtual classes, isolated at home. I motivated myself to earn good grades and trained alone, or with teammates in small groups when permitted. They looked to me, as their point guard and thus team leader, to offer encouragement, positivity, and support even though I wasn’t sure we would have a season, let alone a coach. 

It was finally announced that my team, which had found a new coach, would have a basketball season. Although he had a different coaching style, I remained respectful and teachable and encouraged my teammates to do the same. I especially remained focused on my goal, of being a point guard on a university’s basketball team, and persevered through adversity, disappointment, and frustration. I have not, and will not, give up on that goal, which I’ve discovered may be my greatest strength of all. Once I set a goal I will do whatever is required to achieve it.

I am excited to have my goal come to fruition by attending a University whose program will challenge me and be a good fit not only athletically, but academically. I’m committed to doing my very best on the court and to earning top grades off the court.

If given the opportunity to play for you, I know I have what it takes to be a leader on your team and will make a positive impact on your program.