Merrick Madden '13 Recruiting Profile

Through my years as an athlete, I have always wanted that "edge" to place me ahead of my opponents, physically, mentally, & emotionally. Whether it’s hard work, determination, or wisdom from coaches, players and other respected adults; I will take what is said to me - true at heart and work towards the goal that has been set in front of me. What some athletes will consider “set-backs” I’ll see as an adverse challenge. I strive to excel at what I do, determined to do whatever is necessary to accomplish these goals-whether it’s being first to show up and last to leave, give up the thought of an “off-season” to better myself, or put in the extra mile to not only physically improve myself, but to sharpen my mind and mentally grasp more concepts and understandings. I’ve been known to have to be asked to take a break for the day from practice due to my the desire to become a better; as for what seems like 20 minutes will end up being a hour after other athletes departure.

"Limitations will only limit one whose preparation isn't aimed to become number one".

I am a leader, not a follower. That is the reason I can hold to the title of “Captain”, of our 2012 Football team as well as Captain of our 2011 & 2012 Indoor & Outdoor Track team. A goal of mine is to be part of college, not only as a name on the roster, but as a starter; willing to do what it takes to accomplish that. What I want from a college/university is trust and leverage of my skills and ideas and the challenges that go with me on and off the field in which I can carry those lessons taught in athletics into real-world situations and accomplish academic and social goals.

Outside of sports, I truly love to be involved with the community that surrounds me. Currently, I attend weekly meetings at my church with other teens with the goal to help not only one another, but also reach out to those less fortunate-who can’t always live a stable life that we’re blessed with. Along with this, I visit Scarborough’s 3-5 grade school to volunteer with numerous projects to give the young students a positive role model, motivation in and out of the classroom, and a better perspective than they had when they first entered the school. So far I've put in over 100 hours there; loving every minute of it. Because of the time my friends and myself have put in there our principal is interested in setting forth a program that has high school students getting involved with elementary classrooms.
 

Academic wise: I plan to study in the field of psychology in college. Earning the highest possible degree at that college/university and moving forward, using it as an addition to another major/minor. This would allow me to be interact with youth, any age and sports, i.e. Athletic trainer, Sport Coach, etc.   Lastly, I would just like to say that my family does in fact need financial aid.