Mason Dawe '23 Recruiting Profile

For my statement, I'd like to share a small part of my testimony that speaks to who I am. 

In today's world, most people my age are full of excuses and buckets full of reasons 'why'.Unfortunately, its become almost uncommon to take responsibility for your actions and destiny. Realizing this as a young adult athlete has created a mindset that I believe is worth sharing. Creating a space where drive, grit, accountability, and action are not uncommon but instead, expected. Growing up as a passionate baseball player, I was blessed with parents who taught me that my path and decisions are my own and that what I achieve is completely up to my level of want. I can honestly say that this being instilled in me from a very young age gave me a skill set that most of my peers don't have. I of course didn't realize that until later on in school. At the same time, I didn't realize that I had my own testimony about this very subject until recently either. You see, when I was younger, I wasn't very big in size. Born two weeks early and just under 7 lbs,I spent most of my childhood playing catchup. There was always someone my age bigger, faster, and stronger. Someone to try and keep up with, like a constant hurdle I could never quite jump. Around the age of 9, I really began to take notice of the obvious difference between myself and my teammates. Unfortunately, they took notice as well. I became the walking punchline to endless jokes, some actually funny, some not. What I failed to notice was how my mindset began to change with each comment or laugh. I became more easily frustrated, and the fuse to my temper both on and off the baseball field became short (pun intended).  My game began to suffer along with my friendships. I began to blame anything and everything around me. My parents, my coaches, and even God. Yes, I said it. Why did I have to work so hard when it came so easily to others? Why couldn't I throw harder, run faster, or just BE bigger? The questions were endless and no answers were in sight. Finally, what I can only assume was divine intervention happened.I got tired. Tired of being angry, tired of fighting with my coaches, peers, and parents. Just tired. So I gave it all to God. I just let him have it all and said 'if this is what I'm meant to do, then use me'. And He did. From that moment I began to notice myself for the first time ever. I realized slowly and through the encouragement of my friends and family that I already had the tools, I just needed to use them. No excuses, no blame, just use the gifts that God gave me and it would all fall into place. I began taking inventory of my best assets. Yes, I was only almost 10 but hey, I had assets. I realized what I did have was heart and a very competitive spirit. I didn't back down from anything or anyone, and I wasn't going to let my size have any effect on what I could or could not do. I had grit, I was coachable, and I was a dang good teammate. From there, things started to click. My confidence grew, and so did my game. After a few years, so did my jersey size (which was a relief). I found not only myself but my relationship with God which frankly is easier to share than this story. But I still do. I share this because I want my peers to be uncommon. I want them to find their drive, their fight, and their grit. I want to share myCA Dawe, Mason CEEB: 110895 Fall 2023 7 FY RD CAID: 34045000journey both on and off the field in hopes that we can change the status quo, learn to be accountable, and leave that bucket of excuses behind.