Personal Statement

Dear Coaches, Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I appreciate your consideration as a member of your University/College and baseball team. I am very passionate about baseball and being the best player I can be. I have achieved many honors throughout my career, as an infielder and pitcher, from Little League, where I qualified for All Stars each year of eligibility, travel ball (AAU, IBC, etc.) playing in numerous state and national tournaments at the highest levels. All the while maintaining a high grade point average in many advanced/honors type classes. I did participate in our local Pop Warner football program until age 14 where I played quarterback, linebacker and defensive back. My High School baseball career has also been enjoyable and very rewarding. My coaches at Venice High have been outstanding and have been instrumental in my success. They have asked me to play multiple positions including third base, short stop and second base. My primary position has been pitcher and as a Junior I was named Pitcher of the Year for our team that went to the Regional Semi-finals. I was also the leading hitter on our team, Most Valuable Player award winner, named to the Sarasota Classic All Tournament Team and named All Area 1st Team (Sarasota and Manatee counties). I have been voted team Captain for our 2011 High School Baseball Team and I am anticipating a great season, not only for me but my team as well. I am seeking an opportunity to play college baseball not only at the highest level possible but a program that affords me the best opportunity to advance my skills may they be as a position player and/or a pitcher. Additionally, I would like to consider the overall academics of the University/College and support for student athletes in maintaining a high level of success in the classroom. The overall culture of the institution and the state or region will also be important considerations. My first choice is to attend a University/College in Florida. However, if the best opportunity is out-of-state I would seriously consider that as well. I believe I have the skills, discipline, work ethic, sportsmanship and baseball smarts to succeed at the highest levels of collegiate baseball. My goal is to play professional baseball, but achieving a degree and being a significant contributor to society is equally important. Sincerely, Aaron Rhodes