Sammy Roembke '19 Recruiting Profile

Nine years ago, in the middle of 3rd grade, life threw me a curve ball.  I contracted encephalitis, a brain infection, and spent almost a month at Children's Hospital fighting for my life.  The infection attacked the left hemisphere of my brain which is the control center for language.  When I was first released from the hospital I couldn't name everyday objects.  If asked to point to an item, I could identify the object and point to it, but if asked to name the object in a picture I couldn't.  Those connections had been broken.  Doctors didn't think the encephalitis affected my intelligence, but when you have language issues there is some impact.  After years of speech therapy and tutors, most people I meet don't notice anything different, they just think I am quiet or shy.  I still suffer from mild aphasia, but the progress I've made has been remarkable.

Since my illness, participation in sports has been what's gotten me through some of my toughest days.  It has given me the confidence I needed both on and off the court.  On the court I don't feel I have a disadvantage.  Sports have made me feel included and have motivated me to work hard in school.  For these reasons, and because I love the game, I want to continue my basketball career in college.  I have played competitive basketball since 5th grade, both on school teams and on travel teams.  I'm a senior 5'6" shooting guard.  I have been a varsity starter for Allatoona High School since my sophomore year and was named co-offensive MVP my Junior year.  I was selected as honorable mention for the all-region team this past season.  I am always looking to improve my game.  I take speed and agility classes at The Speed School, weekly shooting and ball handling sessions with my AAU coach.  If I am fortunate enough to speak with you, please understand if I am quiet or struggle to answer a question, it's not because I don't have anything to say.  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me.

Sammy