Personal Statement

My name is Tatem Shafer and I am currently a Junior at Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri.  I have played baseball since I could walk and enjoy playing anywhere I can help my team. Primarily I start at third or shortstop, as well pitch.  Growing up playing has helped shape me and teach me valuable life lessons.  I was born with an autoimmune disease and struggled keeping my body healthy as a kid.  Although there were times that I was I’ll and not at my best, I learned to fight through the mental and physical limitations and be a team player supporting my teammates and showing up for them.  As I have gotten older, these experiences have taught me to be extremely grateful for my physical abilities and incredibly grateful to even be able to be on the field. Being on the ball field is my home, it’s where I am myself, comfortable inside and out and am with family. Although some may look at my disease as a challenge or negative, I am appreciative of everything I have gone through to shape me who I am today.  I have never let it hold me back and to this day I continue to beat it and do what I need and want to do on a daily basis.  I played on upper level showcase teams and played up in age, by doing this it helped prepare me for High School and playing with and against older athletes and very high ability levels. I am looking to never stop learning and improving and have had amazing coaches that I continue to work with. Not only do my coaches, past and present, continue to support me in improving my abilities, I look up to my teammates and friends that also push me to not only do my best, but get out of my comfort zone and continue to grow. Going into college, I look for coaches and teammates that will continue to push me as well.