Cole Pinkerton '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Cole Pinkerton, I am currently a 15 year old, six foot, 155 pound, sophomore, with a goal to play basketball at the highest level possible afforded to me. I am the second eldest of four boys.  Since the age of four years old I discovered my talent as a basketball player. I have been encouraged and supported to play sports throughout my life, which has helped shape and mold my skills and passion for the game of basketball.  

Basketball has not only enhanced my people skills and working well with others, but has developed a sense of leadership qualities that has helped me to excel in a multitude of environments, including school and community service. I take every game as an opportunity to challenge myself.  Basketball has taught me resiliency in that you either win the game or learn a lesson. I learned early on, at the age of ten, after rehabbing a fractured femur from playing football, what determination means. I was determined to get back on the basketball court a stronger, faster, and smarter player than I had ever been.  I have made that a goal every year, that I strive to obtain and increase season after season. I have continued to play basketball not only with my school, as the only varsity freshman, but with club ball, in which we travel the country playing incredible teams, providing me the opportunity to network and grow as an individual athlete and team player. 

Due to my birthday, I have always been one of the youngest players on any of the teams, playing with older, more developed athletes, which is challenged me to increase my skill set at a faster and more adaptable pace.  I have been placed by my high school head coach in a multitude of positions, which I must adapt and communicate effectively with various players rotating throughout the games. 

I use the competitiveness I gained from basketball in my classroom environments. The more I practice, the better I will become and all the hard work pays off with my 4.0 GPA.  I implement the "practice makes perfect" philosophy to my school assignments and presentations. Basketball has been a motivation to be a better student. I envision my college years to be a personal growth period. My goal is to explore a science or pre-med major that will position me well for medical school. On the court, I plan to be a dynamic player and positive influence on the team. As I grow both physically and mentally throughout my current high school basketball career, I will strive to be an asset to the position the coach and team would need throughout the seasons.  Most importantly, I will conduct myself with honor and respect on and off the court, knowing that the way I carry myself reflects my team, my coaches, and the school I attend.