Melissa Cooke '20 Recruiting Profile

As an athlete that has faced many injuries, I have not had the easiest path to where I am today. My determination to continue to pursue athletics was due to my family and friends that have shown me quitting is never an option in life. I have taken the time to better my game both mentally and physically my sophomore year. Though I fell two spots short of making state, I found my strength in that moment. I knew mentally, I had to focus on the future and get better about approaching every shot, 1 by 1. Physically, I knew I had to put in more work in the off season if I was gonna be at state level the next year. I have started to take those steps this off-season so far and feel as though this year I have the qualities to do bigger things. 

My academics have never struggled. As a kid I always knew that if I wanted to do big things in life, I had to keep my grades high. When I skipped second grade I knew things were gonna get a little more difficult. I told myself I must step up to the obstacles at hand, and I have been doing that since. Its hard to be a year younger than everyone, both in school and playing sports. I find pride in the fact that I have stepped up athletically to meet those older than me. I really pride myself on giving my all into everything I do. I feel blessed to be named the most improved player of my sophomore year, because it was a year that I really feel made me the player I am.