Andrew Baxter '21 Recruiting Profile

I can still remember the first time I shot a basketball as a little kid in elementary school. Ever since that moment, there was a spark that was lit inside of me, and that spark has turned into a passion. Every time I step on the court, I get a sensation I don’t get anywhere else. That sensation pushes me to go after every rebound with all I’ve got, to score high on any test that is put in front of me, to do whatever it takes to succeed and grow as a person, and to drive my team to victory no matter the obstacle. I hold my faith and my family as very high priorities in my life. Through my entire high school career, every time I came across a struggle, an obstacle, or someone who doubted me, my faith in God and passion for basketball propelled me to achieve any goal I set my mind to.

During my freshman year, I had a decent 3-point shot and knowledge of the game enough to make the junior varsity team, despite the fact I was 5’8” tall and 165 lbs. At the end of that season I told my coaches that by the time I am a junior I will be dunking the basketball and averaging 20 a game; they laughed. From that day forward, I used their doubt and my love for the game to push myself to places I could not imagine going. By my sophomore year I averaged 15 points a game on varsity and could grab the rim. By my junior year I was the one laughing while averaging 24 points a game and winning 2 all-tourney awards by the end of the season. Through my high school experience, I have learned that no matter what is thrown my way, not only can I overcome it, but with determination, hard work and maximum effort I can achieve success. With the help of God, my coaches, and my teammates, there is nothing our team can’t accomplish, and I believe that with me on your team we can defeat and overcome anyone we face.