Joseph Coker '25 Recruiting Profile

Since I was a little kid, I have loved baseball. Having played with my uncle for a little bit before having to give it up due to the immense driving distance, I finally got the chance to get back into the game during my junior year of high school at Sterling Aviation High School. Baseball, however, is not the only thing I am passionate about, as I am incredibly enthusiastic about leading, teaching, and guiding others, as well as expanding my knowledge and being a respectable scholar. I have been part of NJROTC for three years and counting, which has developed me as an individual, student, and leader. Currently, I lead the unit's air rifle and Saber team. I am also an active member of some other teams. Additionally, I am the Operations and Training officer, responsible for many essential unit matters, such as supervising staff, coordinating training, and working alongside our Instructor to arrange and coordinate events and ensure they are conducted efficiently. I also took some initiative, offering to pick up some slack with administrative duties and helping fellow cadets.

During my time in NJROTC, I have learned countless valuable lessons, and continue to do so, that I will bring with me everywhere I go. From Colonel Glover and Chief Smith -my first Instructors when I arrived at Sterling- and their teachings, to Chief Parker and Chief Helms, all of whom have mentored me and helped me tremendously in becoming a better person overall. I have been promoted four times now, currently standing at Cadet Lieutenant junior grade. All four times being recognized for my immense dedication and passion for leading and helping others. For instance, I lead the units air rifle team, saber demonstration team and male color guard team, and I actively assist other team leaders in improving their team and training regimen. I have also received various accolades, the most notable being the Association of the United States Army award, the American Legion Americanism award, the American Legion Military and Scholastic Excellence award, and the Navy JROTC "Bravo Zulu!" Award. These awards aren't just pieces of fancy cloth and metal that I pin on a uniform; they are significant achievements that display my dedication, perseverance, and passion for leading, academics, and bettering myself as a leader, individual, scholar, and athlete.

Not only are The skills I have learned and mastered throughout life and high school valuable to success in life, but they also transfer to academics and athletics. A strong leader who can motivate their peers to better themselves is essential for a successful team. This makes me an excellent candidate for anything that demands strong leadership and devotion. Whatever I put my heart and mind to, I know I can and will accomplish. Whenever someone needs help, I always extend my hand to them and do my absolute best to help them. I hold all my friends close and care for them, as I am also very ardent about people.

I'm not afraid of devoting innumerable hours of hard, demanding work to achieve something, which has led me to take an interest in architecture and agriculture. I plan to study either Architecture or Agriculture and Agribusiness in college. Following in the footsteps of my uncle, who is a successful architect, and expressing my love for animals and arduous work has sparked these interests. Currently, I am researching and focusing on Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama, and Texas A&M University. I am also exploring options at Sam Houston State University, Georgia Tech, Prairie View A&M University, and many others.

With strong skills in areas such as time management, adaptability, teamwork, active listening, problem-solving, decision-making, computer skills, and a burning passion for leading people and taking on challenging work, I have shaped myself into a respectable scholar, a commendable leader, and a supporting son, as well as a promising athlete. I strive to better myself and help those around me become better versions of themselves while maintaining the delicate balance of my school life, personal life, and baseball, all while having fun doing it.