Personal Statement

My name is Zachary Slade and I currently attend Downingtown West High School as a rising senior. Here are a few highlights of my impact on the baseball field. I have been known for my versatility on the field (played 8 out of 9 positions within the last two seasons), but the position I excel the most at is catcher. As a catcher, I believe that you must be a leader on defense, while consistently making quick decisions. Having a strong baseball IQ is extremely important as a catcher, and I think that this is the strongest facet to my game. The mental requirements of baseball allows me to set myself apart from others. Every coach has recognized this attribute since the time I started playing the highest competitive travel levels in the region. In addition, my ability to be coachable accelerates my athletic development. I respect my coaches, and consistently execute what they ask of me. I am a hardworking individual, and I hold a desirable virtue of not giving up. No matter what, I continue to push my boundaries and challenge myself. This skill is also shown through my academic achievements. I hold a 4.6 out of 4.0 weighted GPA, which is ranked 2nd out of 419 students in my class. I have also received college credit from multiple AP exams. I take pride in my academic work, and continue to push myself by partaking in the most rigorous courses possible. I know that college baseball programs look at academics as a major factor in their decision making for potential recruits, so it drives me to put forth my absolute best in the classroom. Also, I understand how necessary physical strength is to play at the next level. So, I have been focusing on gaining muscle mass, and participating in challenging workouts to improve my physique. In summary, I have extremely high aspirations for playing collegiate level baseball, and I will work harder than anyone else on and off the diamond to achieve my goals. I appreciate your time, and I look forward to developing a connection with you!