Gabriel Knox '21 Recruiting Profile

Baseball is my one true passion. It is my most meaningful activity outside of school. I arrive early for practices and games. I take advantage of optional workouts. I have consistently been arranging private coaching sessions for years whenever I can book them around my existing schedule. If there is yet more available time, I will get to a diamond to practice on my own with friends and family. When playing baseball, nothing else matters but each moment I am experiencing. I have no sense of time. I feel no pain or exhaustion. I am completely immersed and focused.

"Still waters run deep." This proverb was once used to describe my sometimes quiet demeanor and evolving leadership style. A deceivingly reserved shell conceals my passionate, perceptive, hard-working, and intellectual nature. Although many believe that leaders must be gregarious extroverts, I contend that leadership is about attitude, example, and empowering others. As a catcher, I pride myself on evaluating my opponent, finding weaknesses, and selecting each pitch and play to capitalize on them. There is often no limelight for catchers, and that is why I love this position. It fits my personality, as I do not need recognition or accolades. Instead, I feel most satisfied when helping my teammates to flourish, and knowing I played a role in showcasing their abilities. Their success and the team's success is my success.

Never far from my baseball community, there have been recent times during the coronavirus pandemic mandating some separation and this left me with a noticeable void. As such, I organized group calls and social media chats with other players to provide for some much-needed connection with my teammates. Beyond my love for the physical aspects of the sport of baseball is my need for the camaraderie, togetherness, and community.

Hard work and determination have been necessary to get me where I want to be: on the field, playing the game I love. I look forward to continuing my baseball career playing at the highest collegiate level possible.