Phillip Harrell '22 Recruiting Profile

I have learned and grown so much since I graduated High School in May of 2022.  Although I learned the academic skills that will help me in the future by participating in many AP and honors classes while attending Seckman High School, the lessons I have learned since have helped me develop into a more well-rounded asset for any organization.  During my time at Seckman I was able to graduate Cum Laude with a 3.82 GPA and participate in an Engineering internship through the Center for Advanced Professional Studies.  The format of these classes was not conducive to online learning so during COVID shutdowns I was required to find my own resources and often self-teach much of the required information.  These academic challenges allowed me to see that I can grasp high level work and thrive in a self-paced academic atmosphere that I will see in many post-secondary institutions.  My Senior year I balanced this rigorous academic workload with the schedule of two hockey teams playing both for my high school as Captain and starting defenseman for the St Louis Junior Blues (NA3HL).  The final piece was proving to myself that I could succeed outside of the Seckman Valley where I had spent my entire life.  To accomplish this, I asked to be traded from the Jr. Blues and after interviewing with several coaches I landed 1,200 miles away from home in Great Falls, Montana where I currently play for the Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) recently playing in my 5oth game in the league.

I love the game of hockey because I believe it takes just as much mental fortitude as it does physical effort. I am a competitive person who does not give up and strives every day to be better than I was the day before. When I first started playing hockey, my coach told me that every time I touch the ice, I need to get 5% better; this has become my mantra as a hockey player and a person. I realize that it is a privilege to play hockey and I have been afforded many opportunities through the game and I have traveled all over the United States and parts of Canada to play games in arenas and on ponds. Hockey is not merely a game, but a culture that ingrains teamwork and sportsmanship. It has taught me patience, discipline, and leadership. I intend to continue a rigorous academic schedule in college and plan to major in political science and finance. I believe giving back has allowed me to gain a new perspective and aided in my personal growth. Personal growth is always a motivating factor for me. I desire to always improve; this is what sets me apart from other prospects. Furthermore, I am coachable player, respectful student, and a natural leader on and off the ice. I will never let anyone “outwork” me. Win, lose, or draw, no one will ever give as much effort as I will. I will always overcome the odds.