Ryan Cartwright’s Journey: From High School Dreams to College Baseball Reality
Working with Ryan Cartwright from Bishop O’Dowd High School was an enriching experience. Ryan approached me during his junior year with a clear goal: he wanted to play Division 1 baseball. His dream was to join Stanford University’s team, a program he had grown up around due to his father’s long tenure there.
Setting the Plan in Motion
From the beginning, Ryan was determined and had high expectations for himself. Together, we devised a strategic plan to navigate the competitive recruiting process. Ryan diligently followed our plan, sending his information to various schools, with Stanford being his top priority. However, despite his efforts, he wasn’t receiving responses from the schools he contacted, particularly from Stanford.
A Change in Approach
In one of our discussions, I asked Ryan if he had ever considered visiting the Stanford campus and trying to speak with a baseball coach in person. Surprisingly, he had not. This simple yet bold idea was about to change the course of his recruiting journey.
During a visit to Stanford Hospital for a medical exam, Ryan decided to take a chance. He walked to the baseball stadium, hoping to meet
someone to help him. As fate would have it, the first person he encountered was a Stanford baseball coach he already knew. This serendipitous meeting allowed them to exchange phone numbers and establish a line of communication. From that moment on, Ryan was constantly in contact with the coach, which ignited his hope and excitement.
Opportunities and Decisions
Ryan’s proactive approach paid off. He eventually secured an opportunity to be a preferred walk-on at Stanford, contingent upon his admission to the university. This was a significant milestone, but the journey didn’t end there. As Ryan continued his efforts, he received interest from other schools, including the University of San Francisco.
One of the most notable offers came from Wheaton College, a Division 3 school. Initially, Ryan hesitated to consider a Division 3 college, as his goal was to play at the Division 1 level. However, after careful consideration, he recognized that Wheaton was an excellent fit for him. The coach at Wheaton, who had a Division 1 background, impressed Ryan and made the program appealing.
Lessons Learned
Working with Ryan taught me invaluable lessons about the recruiting process. The most important takeaway is that student-athletes must be proactive, explore all avenues, and build strong relationships with coaches, regardless of the division. Ryan’s journey underscored the importance of direct engagement and persistent communication.
In Ryan’s case, his willingness to visit campuses and maintain consistent contact with coaches was crucial in his final decision. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of exploring every opportunity to achieve one’s goals.
Ryan Cartwright’s journey from Bishop O’Dowd High School to his final college choice is an inspiring example for aspiring athletes. It highlights the significance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to take unconventional steps to succeed. Share
