Rachel Bicknase '16 Recruiting Profile

I began throwing my Freshman year of high school. I immediately fell in love and knew that I would have to work extremely hard to become something great. I started throwing whenever possible and I would even go practice by myself out in the rings if I felt my distances were not up to par.

After I started throwing, my coach began to tell me how much potential I had in this sport. I questioned it at first, but realized that he had faith in me so I needed to have faith in myself. I constantly pushed myself each and every day after that and began to see how much improvement I made in a short amount of time. That was when I realized that I wanted to continue to throw throughout college if given the opportunity. I started looking into college throwing camps and summer camps offered by my school. I know that success will not come easy, but if something is easy, its not worth it.

As I am now starting my Junior year at Grant Community High School, some of the goals that I hope to achieve by the end of the season include going to Sectionals and making it to State. This will be my second year as a varsity thrower and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be a role model for other throwers at my school. I always take pride in challenging myself when it comes to school and sports. Nothing is impossible as long as you put effort into the task at hand.

I am currently in 2 AP classes, 3 honors classes, and I am also in my third year of French and carry at 4.0+ grade average. I am taking an advanced strength and conditioning class that is offered at my school in order to increase my strength which will ultimately help me in throwing. In addition, I compete on a Level 4 All Star Cheer team in order to keep up my endurance and flexibility. Throwing girls in the air has helped me build muscle strength which in turn has helped me greatly in throwing. 

In my free time, I often babysit multiple kids that live around my neighborhood. My experience with kids is what made me want to pursue a career in education. On top of school, sports, and babysitting, I help coach a special needs cheerleading team each week. I believe that helping others and making a difference in the community is essential in life. Currently, I am working on starting a special needs cheerleading team at my high school and have brought my idea to the attention of our athletic directors.

Although not everything I do in life relates to throwing, it ultimately makes me a stronger person physically, mentally, and emotionally. I firmly believe that there is no obstacle that is unachievable as long as you are not afraid to take a risk and push yourself past your limits. I know that I would not be where I am today without the support of my coaches, family, and friends. I cannot wait to see what I will be able to achieve at the collegiate level.

I qualified for state in discus at the sectional my team attended this season. I traveled down to Eastern Illinois University to compete and I made it through to finals. I ended up taking 8th place and becoming an all-state athlete. I am incredibly thankful that I had this amazing opportunity to compete against such tough competition and I am very proud of the outcome.