Jakob Plessl '19 Recruiting Profile

For the first 15 years of my life I simply went through the motions - then the best thing happened to me - I broke my foot.

I am a very fortunate person in that I grew up with 2 parents and an extended blended family that has always made sure that I had every opportunity to succeed.  I am also fortunate in that my family has pushed me to work hard and have fun at what I am doing from the time I was young - they showed me this by example and by their guidance to me.  Unfortunately it took me until the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in high school to realize the opportunities I had and the level of work it was going to take for me to be successful - not only at basketball but in school and every other aspect of my life as well. 

During a basketball camp at a local college between my freshman and sophomore year of high school I came down wrong on my foot after finishing a layup during a game and I broke my foot.  As crazy as it sounds this turned out to be the best things that ever happened to me.  Shortly after the injury happened I had a conversation with my basketball trainer, Don Dentith, and Don encouraged me to use my down time to help me grow as a person and a player.  He shared with me a story about one of his former trainees, Darrun Hilliard, who now plays for the San Antonio Spurs.  Don told that if I want to be successful at basketball, or anything else in life, it is going to take hard work, a lot of hard work, and not just going through the motions which is what he had seen from me in the past.  As I sat idle recovering from this injury, the fire and passion inside of me grew and I swore that when I got back on the basketball court I was going to work harder than anyone to be successful. 

My Dad would always tell me to find something I am passionate about and that will make the work a lot easier, especially on hard days.  My love for the game of basketball and my goal to play basketball in college and possibly beyond is what fuels me.  The transformation in my focus and work ethic on the basketball court over the last 2 years has spilled over to my school work as well as other areas of my life.  I have gone from being a solid C to a B student my Freshman year to a solid B to an A student currently.

I fully recognize that at some point there will be life after basketball for me.  For this reason I want to make sure I go to a college that will give me a great education.  The education will benefit me while I am still playing basketball and long after my playing days are done.

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my personal statement and review my profile - and I promise you - that if I end up on your team you will quickly see my very contagious work ethic spill over to the rest of the team and you will be proud to have us all on your roster - as players, students and men.