Hello - My name is Dylan Warda (Class of 2022). I’m a 6'2'', 155 pound LHP and I'm in 8th grade this year (2017-2018). I currently attend the selective enrollment Keller Regional Gifted Center in Chicago where I’m an A student at the #1 elementary school in Illinois. I score in the highest percentiles on national standardized tests and enjoy competing in Math Competitions and Chess Tournaments.
I’ve been playing baseball and basketball since I can remember and love competing against the very best competition to challenge myself and my opponents. I’ve always been tall, strong and fast and with that has come both opportunities and high expectations. My expectations of myself help push me to always become better today than I was yesterday and though that may seem obvious to most, I really feel nobody has higher expectations of my abilities than I do.
I’m a team leader who has helped my teams reach 50 tournament or league championship games in baseball, basketball and soccer over the past 5 years. We play a Majors/Elite travel baseball schedule against the very best travel teams and I typically pitch against our toughest opponents in the biggest games. I enjoy pitching most when it matters the most and though I normally start games, I’ll also ask to close key games on a short rotation.
I follow three rules on the mound and pitch with my head, my heart and my gut. I use my head to control the game and decide what to do in each situation. I throw with my heart so I have confidence to believe I’ll execute the next pitch correctly. Finally, I pitch with my gut so I have the courage to throw difficult pitches in challenging situations. I believe pitching is not only about controlling the situation and challenging the batter, but it’s also about challenging myself every time I take the mound. As I continue to improve as a pitcher, I believe these three rules will help guide me.
I’m a LHP who has outstanding speed, movement and command on my 2 and 4 seem fastballs. I also have solid control of my two primary off pitches and I’m working on increasing my command of those support pitches (I’m close). Starting after my 10U season, I’ve been fortunate to have had great dedicated pitching coaches who had a combined 25 years of MLB Service Time that included winning two World Series Rings supported by 38 years of overall MLB organization playing experience. They taught me the mechanics of pitching, how to make my own adjustments on the mound and the value of controlling the game as a pitcher. My strike percentage target is typically 68%-72% depending on the opponent, though I’ll move that higher if I’m caught pitching against a lesser opponent. I’m a high strikeout pitcher who often averages over two strikeouts per inning and though I really enjoy striking batters out, I’m learning I can also rely on my defense to help me pitch deeper into games and tournaments.
I’ve always been the fastest player on my baseball and basketball teams and have won many races including the Fastest Man competition in the 48 team Cooperstown, NY tournament. I have great base running instincts, hit the ball with HR power and love playing CF and 1B. I use my speed, strong arm and instincts to control the outfield and help my teammates shorten their sides of the field. I’m also right hand dominant, so I’ve used that advantage and my great range at 1B to make plays others often can’t that help my pitcher and infielders.
I’m deeply motivated to keep playing baseball through high school and beyond. I’m still working on deciding what High School I’ll attend next year, so I don’t really know what size college would be the best fit yet. What I do know is that I want to play for an outstanding program with great coaches and teammates at a school that will challenge me academically. I’ve always enjoyed playing and winning on every team I’ve been around, so I’m confident I’ll also enjoy my new team. I’m from the Midwest and my family has always supported my decisions, so no matter where I play baseball after high school, I’ll have a strong support structure. Location is not as important to me as the coach, program and the academic opportunities.
Thank you for making time to read my first ever personal statement. I’m sure I’ll update as I grow and change over the next few years.
Good luck next baseball season.
Dylan Warda (Class of 2022)
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