Baylor Erickson '20 Recruiting Profile

My Dad told me a story about watching a group of new recruits at a pre-season college b-ball camp. One individual really stood out with his effort on the drills. He was pushing himself noticeably harder than anyone else was. My Dad said he knew right then that that guy was going to be someone special to watch. It turned out to be Danny Ainge, who set all kinds of college records and went on to a successful career in the NBA. I want to be "that guy". I'm committed to paying that price. I love the quote by Bear Bryant that "The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It's the will to prepare to win that is important." I've been blessed with good athletic ability but I'm determined not to coast on that ability. I'm determined to take advantage of every proper opportunity to maximize my talent. I really love sports and winning and the life lessons you can learn on the field. But I believe that what you learn in the classroom is also extremely important. However, I'm not so mush driven by a good "GPA" but rather I believe that if I really focus on learning, the GPA will take care of itself. I believe that's true of any goal. Focus on the process not the end result. My mom taught me that success without character is empty. She taught me that character is built by doing the right thing when you don't feel like it, or resisting the wrong thing when you do feel like it. She also taught me the importance of gratitude and to look for ways to give back. I can give back by being the best possible example and by taking the opportunity to help others. Above all things, I want to be known as a person of high moral character who never quits and who outworks everyone around him, who helps others to work harder, live better and achieve more.