Personal Statement

My name is Jake Waddell, however in all matters related to athletics I’m better known as “Taco.” I got this nickname very early in my baseball career during a game where I was told I was feeling extremely uninspired. I was told, while on deck to bat, “You just have to hit the ball one more time, if you do, we can go get some tacos.” I was up to bat with bases loaded, and promptly hit my first grand slam, the rest as they say was history. Throughout the years my motivations (fortunately) evolved past food-based reward system and I found inspiration in the love of the game. Moreover, baseball is now the reward for keeping ahead on the other important areas of my life such as academics, work, and family. I find myself heightening my standards and goals in the classroom, in my part time job, and in my self-appointed off-season training; all to make sure I can continue progressing upward in my baseball career. I have had excellent role models, coaches, and teammates that encourage me to never settle, and they’ve instilled a great belief in me that the only limits are the ones I set for myself. My drive is limitless because it is intrinsic. This is how I can guarantee that I can and will thrive as your student, teammate, player, and most importantly a representative of your organization on and off the field.