Raul Leal III '21 Recruiting Profile

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” These words constantly go through my head throughout the numerous after school practices that I am in. Most people could label me as a “jock” but what people don’t know is it takes extremely hard work to get where I am now. I feel that I have a natural born ability to be athletic and play any sport. Football, basketball, and track & field bring out the best version of myself. 

What I find greater than just me being a talented athletic player is the attributes that I possess to get where I want to be. I am a player that will do anything to be successful and be the greatest player and person I can be. I am a player that likes to have everything right, working everyday to improve my skill set as a player. Therefore, I go in with the mentality to work and work hard to make sure I can beat anyone and anything in my way. Along with my work ethic I am a natural born leader and I have been even when I was years younger. I am proud of my ability to be able to lead others and be a positive influence on them. I have always been a team player, always having my brothers in mind, but also worrying about myself and making sure I do right for them. I am one to build a great chemistry between my teammates and coach as well.

 Being a great player does not always have to be based on talent but how you approach the game. Being smart in game and your sport is what makes a player stand out from others. I like to study and dissect the game as if it were an AP class I am trying to be successful in. Because of this, I strive to be open-minded even with new tasks arising.  I also like to study professional athletes on how they play and their approach to the game. I do this so I can input what I learn from them into my own game as well. I also like to play the smart so I can always stay one step ahead of my opponents and not have to worry about be super good and just beat them on just strategy. Going back to me as being a leader to my teammates my knowledge of the game allows me to help them when they do not understand something. I always love being around them and being able to help them develop into even better players they were before and be able to help understand the plays we run as well. Lastly, I am a person who has one of the most competitiveness in me, the will to win, the fire that is always lit. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; It’s the size of the fight in the do.” This quote is one I always have in mind during my games or meets because I am usually one of the smaller players out there standing only at 5’5. But no matter the size I am willing to give my 110% each and every game and making sure my presence is felt.