Jacob Hirsch '22 Recruiting Profile

The most influential person in my life, when it comes to sports, is my father. From a very young age I aspired to be like him in a number of ways, but most importantly I wanted to follow in his hockey footsteps. My father was fortunate enough to play for a Division 1 NCAA team that won the National Championship in 1993.  I was determined at a young age to play hockey and to be one of the best. I started playing at the age of 6 and fully committed to being a goalie by the age of 10. I understood it was a position of high pressure and quick thinking and I was ready for the challenge. As a freshman, I had my first true test as a goalie at the high school level. Our senior starting goalie was out for an emergency surgery prior to facing two of the best teams in the State, each with undefeated records. I had a short notice to prepare for the games and an entire team counting on me. It was my first experience having a true understanding of what it is like to play for something greater than yourself. I learned some things about myself like how adversity motivated me to be the best I can be and that no amount of pressure could stop me from succeeding.

Although hockey is my number one priority, academic success is also very important to me.  Mathematics has always sparked an interest in me and led me to consider a career in engineering. As a three sport athlete playing football, baseball, as well as hockey, I've always had to plan ahead when it comes to balancing academics with sports. I have maintained honor roll status and participate in honors classes while keeping my focus on sports. Sports have had a major impact on the person I have become. How I act off the ice is just as important to me as how I act on the ice. In the locker room, I strive to be a leader and someone my teammates can trust will have their back. I feel like I can offer the kind of leadership that inspires other players to want to work harder for better of the team. I could bring that type of positivity to any team I am lucky enough to be a part of. My goal is to play the highest level of collegiate hockey and willing to continue working until I get to that point.