Colton Bender '17 Recruiting Profile

Baseball is a very important aspect in my life.  Ever since I was able to walk I had the drive and willingness to swing the baseball bat.  I want to attend college for academics, but I want to continue my baseball career while getting my degree.  I want to be able to gain knowledge and experience in a field that interests me such as Sports Medicine/Science, or law enforcement.  

I perform at a very high athletic level in all sports, but have excelled in baseball.   I have great baseball instincts and intelligence.   Many times when I’m making a play, I just know what to do.  I cannot explain how I know, I just do.   

I have leadership qualities in school and in baseball.  I make a good teammate, and lead by example. There is not one pitch in the baseball game where I am being lazy behind the plate.  Pitchers are always asking the coach to have me catch for them.  Behind every successful baseball team is a solid, smart catcher.   

I also have maintained a solid batting average putting me at the top of the line up on every team I have played on.  I can hit to all fields and strike outs are rare.  In 2014, I made the Varsity baseball team as a freshman as starting catcher for every game.  I made first team all conference catcher as a freshman and was selected for the “The Bulldog Award” which is given the hardest working player on the team.   For my summer team, I was named MVP.  My batting average continued in my sophomore year, again being selected as first team all conference catcher and awarded the Gold Glove award.  

In addition to my athleticism and leadership, I have good character.  Not only do I make good decisions on the field, I make good decisions off the field even when faced with difficult situations that teen often do.  I have self-initiative.  I do not need to be told to get homework done or to study.  If I’m struggling at the plate or behind the dish, I get out there and work on it until I feel satisfied that I have made a successful adjustment.   I eat right and stay active without being told.  When I have my mind set toward a goal, I am very determined to accomplish it, like being a college athlete.  I am also very coachable.  You can teach me something, and you will not have to worry about telling me again.   My head is always in the game even after I make an error or strike out.  I am quick to recover from my disappointment.  

I am looking forward to continuing my baseball career at the next level, and I am confident that I will be an impact player on your team.