Dillon Hebel '22 Recruiting Profile

My career as a player has been a journey of ups and downs to this point. After having to get surgery on my catching hand in the spring of 2019 I have learned so much about myself as a player and a person. It made me realize that even when I can’t play, I found myself noticing things in other people’s gameplay. When I brought these things up, the adjustments that that those players made were usually for the better. This experience has led me to believe that I am capable of playing at the next level. With maintaining a 4.0 GPA as well as not missing practices and games other than those I was unable to participate in due to my injury shows that I am a dedicated and committed student athlete.

The summer of 2018 was one of the most tragic seasons I have ever experienced as a player. After going 3-37 all of us believed that the spring to follow would be a lost cause. Fortunately, after tying and winning our first 2 games the next spring our team chemistry clicked. I learned from this experience that when a team continues to play together that they don’t have to be the most talented group and they don’t even all need to like each other in order to be successful. This team that was so abysmal in 2018 took 2nd place the following spring.

As my high school career progresses, I continue to learn, not only about the game, but about myself as a person.  I have learned how to deal with adversity.  I have also learned how to deal with team mates that can be a bit abrasive as well as those that can be somewhat passive.  I have learned how to be a leader as a result of dealing with all these different personalities which I believe is a requirement at my position.  I need to be the coach on the field and I have embraced that role. It is my job to know my pitchers' strengths and weaknesses.  It is my job to know the situation at all times and be able to direct my team mates accordingly.

I believe that these intangible skills as well as my ability to perform with my bat, glove and arm will make me a positive addition to any team.  I also believe that all these experiences have made me a stronger person, both mentally and physically.  I hope to continue to build on these experiences to grow into a successful student and player at the next level and ultimately into a successful member of society in whatever life throws my way.