Brayden Youkon '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Brayden Youkon, I am 6'1'' and weigh 180 pounds. I have been playing baseball since I was 8 years old and I truly love nothing more than to compete on the diamond. I have always played a level above my age due to my birthday and found that challenge to be a key to my success so far. A key fact that very few know is that at a very young age I was diagnosed with cancer and the side effects of a year of treatments caused some to think sports at a high level may not be an option. Through dedication, drive, hard work and most importantly the love of the game, I have overcome all of those concerns to compete and perform at a high level on the field.

As a pitcher, I have developed to be more of a technician using an array of pitches to succeed. I will be the first to say I am more of a contact pitcher, keeping balls in the infield as well as keeping them from putting the ball in play at all. I am a student of the game and know a well-placed change up can be just as effective as a high mph fastball. For me, I am always watching and learning, constantly making notes and observations. Although I am primarily a pitcher, am solid a utility infielder. Hitting is also part of the game and I work just as hard at it being a solid on base hitter and base runner.

My current coaches tell me that I will be able to compete at the college level. As a 16 year old, I believe that at my current trajectory I could be a Division 1 pitcher. With that, there is excellent baseball at all divisions throughout the NCAA and that the right program for me could be in any one of them. I am really looking for a program where I can continue to grow under experienced coaches while playing at a high level of competitive baseball.

I am extremely motivated to play baseball in college. Academically, I have been preparing with a course selection in high school that will prepare me for college curriculums. As a student / athlete, I want to challenge myself on the field as well as in the classroom.

Regarding school, an academic program is just as important as the baseball program. I have always emphasized that I plan on being a student first and athlete second. With that said, athletics is an important part of my life so second is really more like 1a. I look forward to going on college visits and geographically, I am interested in playing primarily on the west coast but not against elsewhere for the right school/program. I will be following a number of schools this year and hopefully attend as many games as I can.

I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read my personal statement, and good luck in the upcoming baseball season.