Michael Mercado-Smith '16 Recruiting Profile

My family, the church I attend, surrounding myself with positive people, the schools that I have attended, and the community that I live in have all molded and shaped me into the person that I am today.

Basketball has taught me that I am a team player.  I can work well in a group/team environment, and that I am committed to the team’s goal. I have also learned that my teammates are not just teammates, but that they are my brothers who I look after and who will look after me.  In addition, playing basketball has taught me that it is not the skill that wins games but it is the will to win and the passion inside that wins games.

Though the big academic transition from middle school to high school, I purposed in my heart and mind that I was going to get good grades in school.  As a result, I graduated from high school with a 3.46 cumulative GPA.  In college, I want to obtain a degree in Business Marketing/Communications, graduate with little to no debt, and create a friendly business network with my peers. 

Before my senior year in high school, I trained more than I ever did in my life to make the Varsity D1 basketball team. I believe that I am a focused worker, coachable, committed to things that I start. I also lead by example, love people and listen carefully when someone older or more experienced is giving me wisdom.