Carson Clark '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello – My name is Carson Clark and I am currently a junior  at Vandalia-Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio with a 4.3 grade point average. Presently, I am 5’10” and 175 pounds.  My primary position is middle infield with shortstop being my preferred position.  I throw right-handed and swing the bat left-handed.   

I have loved the game of baseball since a very early age, as my parents are high school baseball and softball coaches and some of my earliest memories are playing catch and swinging the bat with my parents before and after their games and practices.  My family has a passion for baseball and has sacrificed a great deal to fuel my love for the game. 

I am seeking a college environment in which I can excel both academically and athletically.  My ideal college will be an institution that prepares me for the next phase of my life.  I am looking for a school that I can make an impact on the baseball program as a standout athlete and to achieve success in the classroom.  I envision my college years to be a personal growth period.  My goal is to explore a management major that will position me well for my future after college.  On the field, I plan to be a dynamic player and positive influence on the team.  I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the field, knowing that the way I carry myself reflects on my family, my team, my coaches and the school I attend. 

Being a student-athlete has provided me with so many skills that directly correlate to life.  Teamwork, leadership, facing adversity, and setting goals all directly relate to my everyday life.  However, the most important trait that I have learned from baseball is the ability to fail and keep on moving forward.  Everyone experiences failure, but what I have is the ability to look at the next pitch, next play or the next game without dwelling on the previous mishap. 

I am a very detail-oriented person, which allows me to notice small cues that may make or break the game.  I attribute this trait to my parents and their many years of coaching experience.  Two of my older sisters played high school softball and share this trait.  I understand that it is the little things I do in life that affects the whole, whether it be my family, team or community. 

As an athlete I am always working to overcome the next hurdle.  Whether it is to cut time from my 60-yard dash, improve my footwork or gain muscle in the weight room, I am constantly pushing myself and the people around me to excel.  I set a goal to be a varsity baseball player during my freshmen season at Butler and accomplished this goal through hard work and dedication to improving my game.  I was the starting second baseman for the varsity team which finished with an 18-11 record and as district runner up.  I was second on the team in on-base percentage and led the team in quality at-bats.  

I believe college coaches are looking for the best and brightest to lead their programs to higher levels and I feel my character and leadership skills can go a long way in achieving this goal.  I place a great deal of emphasis on displaying loyalty, dedication, perseverance and diligence in my everyday life, both on and off the playing field.  I plan to be a strong link in the team chain. 

I also play basketball at Vandalia-Butler and participate in a number of club activities.  I am also active at my church and volunteer for community activities through our local parks and recreation department. 

I am humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to play the game of baseball at a top- notch high school as well as summer program and look forward to continuing to improve as a player and person over the next several years of high school and into my college years.