Joseph Rousseau '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Joseph Rousseau and it is my goal and aspiration to play basketball in college. This is going to be my Senior year here at Monrovia High School during the 2018-19 school year, a place that has helped me find who I am and who I want to be. When I was very young I lost my father to cancer. My father was a Sergeant for the LA County Sheriff’s Department. As I was very young when he past away, most of my memories I have of him come from stories that were told to me. However, what I myself do remember of him was that he was a strong man and was the epitome of a born leader who volunteered much of his time within the community he worked and the community he lived. I want to live up to the high standards my father has put in place. It is through leadership, service, and dedication  that strong character is developed and defined.

The more I become involved in the many activities, clubs and teams my school and community has to offer, the more friendships I build, and more importantly the more lives I impact in a positive way. I want to continue making these connections and having positive impacts on others as I continue both my educational and athletic journey. My goals are to study in the field of Engineering, which will then lead me into a Masters program with an emphasis in Architecture. On the court, and off the court,  I want to be a strong leader, a positive influence for the team and those watching. But most importantly, I want to be that driving force that helps lead my team to victory. I am the type of player that will always give my all. I do not give up. I have solid skills, but I know I can learn more and can continue growing as a player.   

I have dedicating myself to developing my skills as a basketball player. Being part of a team has  given me purpose and has taught me that my presence on any court goes beyond the sport, that I am an example to others. To be role model as I represent my school and my team creates a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. As a team member, I have the obligation to keep other members on track, I have the responsibility to follow through with my commitment and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of defeat. Being apart of a team brings me pride and belonging. I have grown so much in these past high school years, and a lot of that has to do with being apart of a team. I am enthusiastic and optimistic about my future. I look forward to working with new coaches and teammates, and to continue to grow both as an athlete and a young man.

Through these few experiences and the many to come as I begin my final year here at Monrovia High School, I have learned who I am and who I want to be. Character to me are those qualities and traits that develop a person into an individual. I can only hope that through my service to others and the leadership roles I take, people will see me for the strong, honest, and reliable person I know I am. As Abraham Lincoln said about character, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.” Character is more than reputation, it is who we are even when others are not paying attention. I am a tree with many branches that have a lot to offer. I would like to bring all I have to offer and flourish at a great school and be apart of a great athletic program.