Personal Statement
I've been playing baseball since I was 5 years old, hitting off a tee in the backyard of my nonno's house. Since then, there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about baseball, or haven't been training or playing. During recent years, I began to aspire to play at the collegiate level. I am aware that playing at a college level is a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially coming from Australia which is a country with very limited baseball opportunities in comparison to the United States. Fortunately I am a dual US-Australian citizen which gives me additional pathways to achieving my goals. Playing at the next level and going to an excellent university or college in the United States could change my life.
I am primarily a Right-Handed Pitcher after taking up this position on a struggling club team three years ago and making a name for myself in the South Australian baseball community. When I'm not pitching, I'm playing third base, and I am described by coaches as having a handy glove and effective bat at the plate. I was awarded my club U17 team's hitting award this past season with a .444 average.
I've felt like I'm playing with family with every baseball team that I have played on. I love the camaraderie of the sport. I have met most of my closest friends through playing baseball over the last nine years. I believe that I am a great team player but also a motivating leader as I keep teammates accountable for their actions while still encouraging them to enjoy the game. I've been the designated captain on my high school team for the past two years and also actively participate in strategy, planning training, and supporting others on my club team. I am a very coachable athlete as shown in my significant improvement over the last three years. To be completely honest, I was not a particularly outstanding baseball player around three years ago, but transferring clubs and having some amazing coaches who helped me to significantly improve my skills resulted in my selection to the South Australian U16s state team that competed in the Australian Youth national tournament in early 2023. Recognition by the coaches of my hard work and significantly improved skills resulted in me receiving the most improved award for that state team.
One thing that I believe stands out about me compared to some young baseball players with whom I have played is that I am also striving to be the best student that I can be. Academics are extremely important to me. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA to date in high school and am looking to go to an academically selective college to continue my education at a higher level. I participated in a gifted stream (Students of High Intellectual Potential or SHIP) offered at my high school in 8th and 9th grades. There is no similar stream at my school in the higher grades, so I am taking a rigorous, accelerated academic program (in classes that are a grade above my year of enrollment) and all of the advanced classes that my school offers. Evidence of my commitment to my studies can be found in my receipt of the all-academic trophy from the baseball program in my first two high school seasons.
I want to attend a college where I can push myself academically and on the baseball field. I am open to all options and ultimately want to play at the highest level of competition that is appropriate for me at an academically rigorous institution. I hope to become a great role model for my peers, my family, and especially kids in Australia who have a passion for baseball but who think that it is too hard to compete at a collegiate level in the United States.
In summary, I want to share feedback from that the head coach Andrew Sperling provided to me after the 2023 national tournament:
"Luca Ankeny was perhaps the real surprise packet of this tournament for us (although I didn’t need any convincing as I have always been a fan from afar). To pitch on three consecutive days for us as our best 'go to' man – what a job you did. Topping out at 77 mph, hitting the zone consistently with pitches that had good movement – very, very impressive. Hit well also, played the field with confidence – keep on doing what you’re doing. You showed that you can be the ace for this state team next year."
