Frenchi Mack '22 Recruiting Profile

Everyone loves “Game Day”. Wearing the uniform, feeling the adrenaline rush during pre-game meeting, heading out of the locker room while hearing the echoes of a cheering crowd. But finding joy in the mundane, in the weight room, and during film sessions is where you realize the unconditional love of your craft

I first learned what unconditional love for Science was while in the 5^th grade. Because the Landon School Science classrooms host both High School and Middle classes, the first time that I set foot in a Laboratory was a life changing experience. The room was filled with interesting experiments, professional quality equipment and many animals both live and dissected for in depth study by other students.

Sometimes I would skip my lunch breaks just to help my science teacher Mrs. Hughes, tend to the many snakes, lizards and small mammals kept for student observation. I was overwhelmed with excitement when Ms. Hughes chose me to take care of the schools two pet Geckos Sally and Leah for the summer. My family was also enlisted in the effort when we had to take the pets to Myrtle Beach with us on vacation that summer. As it could be predicted, Leah got lost in the car somewhere south of Richmond VA.

That experience sparked a wildfire of interest for in all aspects of human and animal biology, as a result of having to be responsible for another living organism all on my own. My passion for science grew even more when I was accepted in to the University of Maryland “Young Terps” summer program while in the sixth grade. The program was highly accelerated, which demanded me and my Team members become immersed in the Scientific method for establishing empirical facts, critical thinking while obtaining measures and metrics when gathering experimental data, and gaining a deeper understanding of global warming on all life forms. Because of the schedule demands and preparation needed to excel in the program, learned how to glean joy out of the hard work, dedication and commitment required to perform at an elite level.

Those life’s lessons remained with me over time, which has allowed me to create, replicate and transfer the same level of positive energy to many other activities that I care about deeply, including Football. My commitment to perform in that Science program demonstrated to me the level of effort, discipline, and work ethic needed to attain my personal performance goals.

After my freshman year at IMG Academy, the coaching staff challenged me to “buy in” and become committed to all aspects of the rigorous training program offered by the school. I made a personal commitment to overhaul my diet and greatly improve my sleeping habits. As a result, I’ve been able to lose 34lbs of body fat, while increasing muscle mass by more than 12lbs. Because I’ve been able to change my metabolism, I’m able to fend off body fat while improving my overall body composition by similarly adjusting my choleric intake while increasing my workout schedule.

 Today I’m able to concentrate on long term goals instead of conceding to instant gratification. I also understand the patience and persistence needed to manage my Team Mates in order to forge consensus and unity to achieve a single goal of excellence for all. Because I was forced to face my habits, tendencies, the need to exercise self-control at all times, I am now better prepared to balance my love for Biology and Football proportionately to ensure long term success at both!