Christian Chilton '21 Recruiting Profile

UPDATE 10/6/2020: On March 26, 2019, in a game against Benedictine Prep in Richmond, my ACL was completely severed by an illegal hit, ending my junior year season in the second game. I had reconstructive surgery scheduled in May 2019, returning to competition end of November 2019. I re-classed from Christchurch School Class of 2020 to 2021, fully in compliance with NCAA rules. 

In spring 2020, COVID-19 upended everyone's lives, and cancelled my second varsity lacrosse season in a row. Christchurch, following Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, chose not to allow any competitive sports to play or practice, and also to hold classes virtually. I therefore transferred to the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which has all varsity sports practicing and playing in the fall, including lacrosse, and in person classroom instruction.  I respect the decisions of those who let COVID-19 dictate to them how they will live their lives. I choose not to let things outside of my control dictate to me how I will live and what I will do, instead focusing on what I can control to achieve my goals. I want to play lacrosse and go to classes in person. I took control of my own life and future and transferred to a state and school where I can do that.

While these life-altering events -- ACL injury and COVID -- were not my choice, I do have the power to choose whether they will be negative or positive life-altering events. I choose positive. I will play and graduate from McCallie School in 2021, a better and stronger student, person and lacrosse player than if I had remained in the class of 2020. All athletes face adversity. All of us face the unexpected. I will succeed because I choose to see life's inevitable obstacles as opportunity to create new strength leading to success instead of as an excuse for weakness resulting in defeat.