Angel Collazo '24 Recruiting Profile

Senior year mindset is to "Start Strong & Finish Stronger"

Since middle school, one aspect of my life consistently motivated me: football. I started playing in eighth grade, and I will never forget my first touchdown. I felt confident, energy flowing through me, with determination to push myself on the field. From that moment, I knew I needed to play football, and that I would do anything to stay on the field. 

I had always been an athlete, but in transitioning from middle school to high school, I became hyper focused on athletics and my grades suffered. I woke up at 5am everyday to workout to excel in sports, but could not focus on my classes during the school day. My coaches were proud of my effort and were pushing me to be my best.  I had an internal drive to be the best in every sport, however, my internal drive to push myself in the classroom was missing, but I had no idea my lack of effort would jeopardize my chances to continue playing football in college. 

Looking back, I realize that it was not that I could not earn A's and B's; it was that I was not willing to put forth the same effort as I did in athletics. Everything changed in the spring of my sophomore year when my friend opened my eyes to the fact that my dreams of playing football in college would not happen if I didn't start putting my education first. Brandon(My best friend) did not play sports, but he saw my love of the game, and he started pushing me, motivating me to see the impact of my choices. Brandon knew I was capable and made me see I could do it too.  Junior year became my turning point, enrolled in two honors courses, earning mostly A’s and B’s, and bringing my GPA from 1.231 in my freshman year to 2.972 in my junior year. Despite my previous academic struggles, I didn't give up and I kept working hard, getting better every day. 

I am currently enrolled in two additional honors classes, earning a first marking period GPA of 3.67.  I am incredibly proud of myself for this accomplishment. I have come a long way since my freshman year, and have shown myself that I can be as successful in the classroom as I am on the field. The support and belief from those most important to me played a huge role in my transformation as well.  

I am now almost halfway through my senior year and I am dedicated to continuing my senior year with a growth mindset, being a leader both in the classroom and on the field.  I have had to work hard for everything I have achieved in my life as nothing has been handed to me. The lessons I learned along the way have not been easy, but my drive to play football has pushed me to also be successful in school, and I now realize I can do more than I ever thought I could. 

My senior year football season was incredible. I was honored to be named 1st team All Star Offensive Athlete and Defensive Back for this fall 2023 season. I helped our team make it to Districts, the second round of State Playoffs, and we were the runner up for the Section title for the first time ever in our school’s history. This cemented my dream to play in college, and the continual support of those around me has pushed me to overcome the obstacles of my past and pursue my goals. I hope to make a lasting impact on others, sharing the lessons I learned, inspiring them to start strong and finish stronger.

Thank you for considering my application and providing me with the opportunity to share my personal journey. 

Sincerely,

Angel Collazo