Lucas Sandweg '22 Recruiting Profile

As a 17 year old, I am still learning a lot about myself.  The biggest influence in my life so far has been my family, friends, my relationship with God and of course, basketball. I am very lucky to have two loving and supportive parents in my life.  I also have two 15 year old sisters.  My family has played an important role in shaping my personality and outlook on life.  I have learned so much from them in terms of how to make good decisions and how to treat others.  Over the past 6 years, they have supported my dream to be the best basketball player I can be.  Their encouragement and confidence in me has inspired me to set high goals for myself - both academically and athletically.  My father coached me from youth basketball through my freshman AAU season.  He has always stressed the importance of giving 110% effort 100% of the time in everything that I do.  He constantly reminds me that there are so many things in life that don't require talent but will play an important role in determining whether or not I will be successful.  They include things like work ethic, having a positive attitude, treating others with dignity/respect, being a team player, respecting authority and honoring God.  He tells me that the little things in life are the big things and that the difference between mediocrity and excellence usually boils down to grit and determination.  These lessons along with my love for basketball have driven me to be the very best player and teammate that I can possibly be.  

My philosophy is very simple....you either win or learn but you never lose!  When my dad was my AAU coach, he would tell us that we only count wins and learns....not losses.  This lesson was learned early on when I was cut from my 7th grade basketball team.  I did not get angry...I got more determined to learn and improve.  It motivated me even more.  In 8th grade, I made the C-Team but did not start.  I continued to work hard and was starting by the end of the season.  In 9th grade, I attended Tompkins HS in Katy TX.  The school has over 4000 students and I knew it would be hard to make the team.  I not only made the Freshman A-Team but I also earned a starting position.  After my freshman season, I transferred to St. John XXIII College Preparatory which is a private Catholic High School.  I was 6th man on the Varsity Team my Sophomore season.  During my Junior season this past year, I was named Team Captain and was awarded Most Outstanding Player while leading the team in scoring and also earning 2nd Team All District honors.  My progress these past 6 years has shown me just how important hard work and determination can be in helping you achieve your goals.

As for my academics, I have taken the same approach and worked hard to maintain a 4.2 cumulative GPA through my Junior year of high school while also playing basketball and maintaining an afternoon and Summer job (Chick-fil-A and Pepperoni's Pizza).  Good grades is not good enough...reaching my maximum potential is what I am constantly striving to achieve.  I know it will be very demanding to play basketball in college while also maintaining strong grades but I am determined to do just that.  

I have been very blessed so far in my life and I am grateful to God, my family, friends, teachers and coaches for the constant support and encouragement they have offered me.  I am better because of my relationship with all of them.  If given a chance to play basketball in college, I vow to be the hardest worker, best teammate and positive role model in all that I do.

Thank you in advance to all the coaches that decide to consider me for their program.  While there may be other student athletes with similar academic and athletic talent, I am confident there will very few that will work harder to make a significant contribution to both their future team and school.

Lucas Sandweg