John Cassol '21 Recruiting Profile

    Track and field has been a passion of mine since freshman year, when I was first introduced to the sport. After my first indoor season, my interest for the sport grew heavily. At the time, I played baseball in the spring but I really wanted to continue doing track into the outdoor season. Dropping baseball for outdoor track was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, considering that I had played baseball since I was in kindergarten. After I made that decision, I knew that I wanted to pursue the option of running at the next level.

    I have been greatly influenced by my coaches and parents who have helped me improve my mental toughness throughout these past couple years. Track is a sport that requires extreme mental strength and I have learned from my mistakes, making me a stronger athlete on and off the track. I have learned that life cannot always work in your favor, but a maximum effort and positive mindset can always help you.

    Academically, I keep a very similar mindset. Tests and other assignments will not always fall my way, but if I prepare to my best ability and learn from my errors after, then I can improve for the next assessment. I have incorporated these values directly from track and field. After a race, I can study my mistakes and discover the ways in which I can exceed my previous result. I will continue to instill these ideas into my future and I am eager to continue my academic goals while running at the next level.

    I strongly believe that I have become a more complete individual through track. After being selected as a captain for my junior year of indoor and outdoor track, I realized that I had to become a more vocal figure in the program. I have always possessed great passion for anything I put my mind to, but now I knew it was time to inspire others through my leadership, in hopes of helping other teammates achieve their goals through hard work and training.