Donovan Shea '20 Recruiting Profile

There is one example that truly demonstrates who I am as an athlete, scholar and person. During my sophomore of year in wrestling, I remember watching my upcoming opponent from the sideline. He looked strong and fast and was dominating his opponent. I knew I was to face this wrestler in my next match. When we met on the mat, I was anxious but I went in knowing I was going to give it my all. Unfortunately, he was up 10-2 during the 2nd period. My opponent was riding me and I could not get out. I was exhausted and yet during this match, I heard someone yell out to him “yeah, dominate!” It was at this moment, he tried to put me in a cradle, yet something sparked inside me and I became mad. I used that energy to escape, got to my feet, took my shot, put him in a half and pinned him.  

Everything I worked at came together at this moment. I realized the work I put into all my year long training, my practices, my camps and clinics influenced my performance, but more importantly it was attitude and my never give up mindset that pushed me through this obstacle. My approach to practices and games helps me improve myself because I am constantly asking for feed back from my captains, coaches and peers. The simple question “What did you see and what can I do to improve?” is instrumental in my growth.

Though lacrosse is the sport I want to play in college, wrestling is essential in developing me as an athlete. I look forward to the atmosphere to push oneself to do my best and the challenging practices to keep me in shape mentally and physically. Once I started wrestling, I became a better lacrosse player and person. Even though my 9th grade year, I wanted to quit. I never did, I pushed through it and now love the sport of wrestling and its challenges. This mentality has helped me in everything because I learned that I have the power to overcome obstacles but more importantly, I forge onward even when I fail. Though I hate losing, I don’t look at failure as a bad thing; I look at it as a chance to improve. 

As a result, I have shown significant growth in lacrosse. I have earned athletic letters during my freshmen and sophomore year. During 9th grade, I had significant playing time and at times started during varsity games. This growth continued and I started on the Palmer High School varsity team as a sophomore. My coaches from Blue Label increased my lacrosse IQ. Coach Sam and Coach Isaac continue to push me and challenge me and I look forward to the future.

Because, I have always wanted to protect or help people, it should be no surprise that I am looking at the field of computer science, possibly cyber security or the Criminal Justice. I take this protective part of me into my sports especially Lacrosse where I have created many friendships and memories. My role as defense and as long stick middie give me many opportunities to protect my goalie and teammates.

Academics is my priority. Sports and Academics go hand in hand for me because I also put in every effort into getting good grades. I always have a goal in academics like increasing my GPA which I was able to meet that goal of hitting a 4.31 GPA and being top 10% in my class. So like sports, I always have a goal yearly for my academics. I also believe that when I do well in academics, I will do well in sports and vice versa. 

My helpful nature has led me to participate in clubs such as National Honors Society, Link Crew, Future Business Leaders of America and complete over 100 hours of community service.  I sincerely believe that helping people is noble. Life can be tough and everyone needs support at times. I do that regardless if I get recognition or not because for me helping others is part of who I am.

It would be an honor and privilege to play at the next level. I think I have the flexible, tough mindset to fit in your lacrosse program and the work ethic for success.