Marcel Wade '23 Recruiting Profile

School was still a struggle for me, but the additional movement of sports helped me to stay focused and get my energy out on the field. When it came time to make decisions for high school I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. Sports was my main concern and academics was my parents. My mom wanted me to attend a selective enrollment school because of the opportunities present, but I worried that it wouldn’t be a good fit for me as a student. We researched teh schools and what they had to offer and agreed that Lindblom Math and Science Academy offered the environment best for me. Most importantly, they had a football program. 

Starting school and playing football at Lindblom was intimidating. I worried that I wasn’t smart enough and wouldn’t be able to keep up in my classes even with additional help. I worried about playing football because I doubted my talent. I knew I was a good player, but I didn’t know if I was a good enough player to play at the high school level. I stayed determined and worked hard both on and off the field. I learned that the only way to get help is to ask for it when needed. I felt support from both my coaches and my teachers.I had the support and encouragement from my parents and family. Most importantly, I had the determination and dedication needed to maintain my status on the field. I worked hard to change my mindset from one filled with fear to one filled with confidence. I told myself not to think about not being good enough- I was already more dedicated than most just for being on the field. I stayed focused at practice and completed every workout my coaches suggested. I recognized that Lindblom put learning over everything. If I wasn’t cutting it in the classroom I wouldn’t be allowed to play on the team. I learned how to maintain good grades in school by not falling behind and for asking for help when needed.  There have been times where I am tired from a late practice or weight room session. I just want to sleep in or skip school altogether, but I have trained myself to push through in order to not fall behind.

Over these last four years I proved to myself that I can be a successful student athlete. I played at the high school level and performed well at one of the most challenging high schools in Chicago Public Schools. My next goal is to be a successful college student athlete.