Joshua (JJ) Uphold '21 Recruiting Profile

Breaking my hand and severally high spraining my right ankle sophomore year right before my during my Football and then before my basketball season was arguably one of the lowest points in my life thus far.  This time was very tough as I continued to go to every game and every practice even though I wasn’t able to play.  I still wanted to be there to support my team.  Initially I felt a little sorry for myself but through the experience I shifted my focus.  I became a cheerleader for my team, I would try and be a mentor for my teammates and tell them what I was seeing from the bench and I'd volunteer to film the games even though I didn't like being so far away from all the action.  I felt this was the best way I could show support. It got me out of my own head and forced me to reprioritize.  I focused more on my school work and strength training as well.  I learned that although I am more than an athlete, I truly love and appreciate the game.  These injures made me work harder than ever to develop back to the level I was at and need to be currently.   

I grew up overseas in some very poverty ridden places (Indonesia, Kuwait, Bangladesh).  Although I am an American, I didn’t live in the U.S. until I was 13 years old.  As a kid I always felt very different from other American kids when we would visit.  Now that I am older, I see how this experience has broadened my mind and made me view the world differently.  I know that as Americans we are very fortunate.  I know that everyone’s views are shaped by their cultures and being immersed in other cultures has made me more of an accepting person. I am looking for a College/University that allows for expression and appreciates different views on subjects.  I started to play Football in 8th grade and I was fortunate enough to have coaches who focused on fundamentals with me.  Since this was engrained in me while getting up to speed, you will see that I revert to the basics during the game.  I am a team player and am looking for a program that appreciates someone who is strong and works hard every minute on the court; not for my own accolades but simply to benefit the team.  I am a multi-sport athlete and this is my mindset every time I step foot on the field or on the court.