Dylan Lawless '21 Recruiting Profile

As a child, my dad would tell me how he found his calling in Karate as a teenager and went on to become a black belt instructor and compete in tournaments. This led me to become interested in taking Tae Kwon Do.

I first realized that I could be a track and field athlete during my Tae Kwon Do training. I achieved the rank of second-degree black belt. I also took special classes called Hammadang that focuses on jumping and breaking tricks. I was better than most other students at my Tae Kwon Do school in this discipline.

I subconsciously trained myself to be a jumper every time I went on my trampoline. Not only was it an awesome leg and core workout, but I could perform flips (front and back) that take good form in order to not get hurt. I have applied all of these jumping skills to track because it also takes a lot of form, strength, and practice to land as far as possible. 

I also like to go hiking with my family in the Adirondacks. We also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding,  swimming, and jet skiing. I’m also a skier and avid gamer.

My academic goal for high school is to graduate with a regents diploma and improve my GPA through this year and next. My vision for college is to find a career path that I will enjoy as well as excel at. I know I will have to step up my game and increase my focus, but I’m confident that I can do both.

One of my goals includes self-improvement because my motivation comes from performing well which ultimately helps me perform better. Even though my goal is to improve, I also have leadership qualities and excellent energy when it comes to cheering on or motivating my teammates. One area in which I have been passionate about is to help people with disabilities. This comes from having grown up with a brother on the autism spectrum. Sometimes all someone needs is a little extra help and encouragement to succeed.