Brady Elswick '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Brady Elswick. I am a junior wrestler at Mills E Godwin High School, which is where I started my wrestling career as a freshman. I started my career wrestling in the 285lbs weight class, and I have competed there ever since. I love the sport of wrestling simply because of the amount of opportunities you get to prove you’re the best. I also personally love one-on-one  competition and the idea that it is up to me and me alone to be as great as I can possibly be. This past year, as a junior, I had a season record of 33-5 with a first place finish in the Henrico County Championships and a runner-up finish in the Region 5B Tournament. However, during my first match at states, I banged heads with my opponent and suffered a concussion. I was able to finish the match and win, but couldn't compete beyond that. My dream of becoming a state champion was shattered. It was certainly a disappointing moment, especially since I couldn't control the outcome. I trained all throughout the offseason, even through covid, to prepare myself for one final run at a state title. Unfortunately, I was once again denied the chance when Henrico County canceled winter sports this year. While this is very disappointing, I have much greater goals than being a state champion, and I will continue to train my hardest to accomplish these goals. During the time that I’m not on a wrestling mat or in a weight room, I like to take it easy. I like watching football on the weekends, as well as playing video games and spending time with my friends and family. While some may see the fact that I’ve only been wrestling for a couple of years as a disadvantage, I personally think the exact opposite. I truly believe that my best wrestling is still in front of me and with the right program and coaching staff, along with me continuing to work my hardest, I could unlock this potential. I have seen pictures in my head ever since I started wrestling: me beating some of the best wrestlers in the country and climbing high on podiums in the best tournaments. I will not stop until I make it so others can see these pictures, too.

With respect to academics, I acknowledge I experienced some difficulties in my first two years of high school. I am proud to say that with some hard work and a refocus on getting to and succeeding in college, I have been able to turn my grades around over the past 2 years. I am determined to achieve my goals and understand my grades are the keys to my success. Coaches can expect to see me continue more of the same performance in this domain for the remainder of my high school and college career.