Alexis Pendziwater '20 Recruiting Profile

Playing basketball makes me feel complete. I have been playing basketball since I was four years old. I have played on the town recreation league, travel teams, school teams and AAU teams. Playing on a team has taught me the importance of being a team player. It has been a thrill to earn different accolades through the years but I realize I love to compete, prepare and to work as a member of a team. Although I feel I am a definite contributor to the team, I also realize I must respect and appreciate all of the team members and the coaches. The value of working together is what creates a team that can be successful. As long as everyone on the team does their best has the same common goal, I believe that approach creates a positive atmosphere. Many coaches have said I create a positive atmosphere for the team. Everyone on the team needs to have the same common goal. There are always lessons to be learned. Basketball has taught me to be persistent and determined even when there are disappointments. It has helped me in my academics.

I know how important it is to be dedicated on and off the court. On the court I know that I need to participate in every practice and game giving 100 percent. Off the court I am a dedicated student who knows that I want to work in the field of healthcare and with children with special needs. In my free time I volunteer at the school where my mother is a special education teacher and at a memory care healthcare facility for people with Alzheimer's disease. I look forward to being at both places, because I feel useful by helping others. It gives me great satisfaction to peoples smiles and know they are happy, even if it just lasts a few minutes. There is no doubt in my mind this is the direction I want to concentrate on. It will be fulfilling and make me feel I am making a positive contribution to help other people.

Sitting and writing this personal statement has helped me to express my most inner thoughts and beliefs. My goals definitely include playing basketball in college because it means so much to me. Achieving what I want will definitely have to keep me focused and work hard. My future college years will be filled with prioritizing my academics and playing basketball. Both are important to help me be a successful future graduate.