Benjamin Chonko '24 Recruiting Profile

A leader inspires others encouraging them to be versions of their best possible selves.  A leader knows themselves and leads by example, fairness, hard work and discipline. A leader is a good problem solver and takes calculated risks for a greater reward. I am a leader on the field and off. I have always worked hard, pushed myself and challenged myself both mentally and physically.  I have taken the most challenging AP classes offered at my school while balancing three season sports and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am first in my class. My coach, fellow players and community members often say: "I am one of the hardest workers on the field."  I am, disciplined, focused, respectful of others, and I know myself and my self worth.  I enjoy challenging myself and being around others with like minds. My Junior year in high school I spent time studying abroad in France. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and embraced it. I'm so glad I did.  I made some of the most wonderful friendships, explored different cultures and became more fluent with the french language. Without taking that risk I would not have experienced the great reward. 

For me sports provides a challenge, a mental release, an opportunity to push your body and your limits. However, sports is so much more than that. I've been playing soccer since I've been four years old on various teams and clubs. I've pushed myself and my limits.  I am so thankful for sports especially during covid.  Sports helped me stay connected to my friends, challenge my body to stay fit, learn how to handle victory and defeat with honor, set goals and achieve them, embrace the importance of a routine and increase my confidence by pushing my comfort zone and learning more about myself. 

My sophomore year I was captain of my JV soccer team. That year I started to discover who I was, what I wanted and where I wanted to go in life. I knew that I wanted to study math and science either in engineering or as a scientist or researcher. I conducted a year long science project on cornfield ants and won an award at the Maine state science fair.  I have always loved math and science discovering new ways of inventing solutions to problems. I guess some would say I do that on the field as well. I have a good ability to read people. By observing their interactions and how they play I can usually tell someone's strengths and weaknesses.  This comes in handy when you're communicating with your teammates because you know the next move someone is going to make. 

I am fortunate to have had so many opportunities with academics, sports and traveling.  I am looking forward to college because I love to learn. I want to make new friendships, connections and conduct research that can help improve others lives. Thank you for your consideration.  I know I would be a wonderful addition to any team! ~ Benjamin Chonko