The Journey of Griffin Waiss: From Underrated Talent to Stanford Athlete

Amid the chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a story of determination, perseverance, and unwavering belief emerged—one centered around the journey of Griffin Waiss, a talented football player whose path to success defied the odds.

It all began in April 2020 when my friend Brennan Ronald, a coach at Bellarmine College Prep, reached out to me for assistance with several football players, including Griffin Waiss. Standing tall at 6’5 and weighing 220 pounds, Griffin possessed raw athleticism and a work ethic that set him apart from his peers. Griffin’s recruiting prospects were limited despite his potential, with only Division 3 schools showing interest.

Upon reviewing Griffin’s film, I was immediately struck by his tenacity on the field despite the lack of catches as a tight end. I saw his untapped potential and made it my mission to help him realize his dreams of playing Division 1 football. But first, I had to convince Griffin, who doubted his abilities.

With unwavering determination, Griffin and I embarked on a journey to reshape his recruiting profile. We revamped his social media presence and fine-tuned his film to showcase his skills in the best possible light. However, with the pandemic disrupting traditional recruiting processes and scholarship opportunities dwindling, we had to get creative.

Despite the challenges, Griffin remained steadfast, willingly putting in the work day in and day out. From running routes at the park with his quarterback to maintaining his high GPA, Griffin epitomized dedication and resilience. And amidst the uncertainty, I continuously reinforced his belief in himself, assuring him that he was a Division 1 athlete.

As months passed, Griffin’s hard work began to pay off. He received offers from Division 3 colleges and secured a preferred walk-on opportunity at Duke University. Yet, he remained focused on his ultimate goal: playing at the highest level possible.

His perseverance finally paid off when the University of Washington extended a preferred walk-on spot on their team. Despite initial surprises, Griffin seized the opportunity and committed to the Huskies. His journey at Washington was marked by success, culminating in an appearance in the national championship game.

However, when coaching changes prompted Griffin to reassess his options, he set his sights on Stanford University—a dream school that seemed out of reach not too long ago. Through weeks of negotiations and admissions hurdles, Griffin’s determination never wavered. And in the end, his patience and persistence paid off as he secured a spot on the Stanford football team.

Griffin’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he always kept sight of his goals and continued to push forward, one step at a time. His story is a reminder that the recruiting process is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with unwavering dedication, anything is possible. As Griffin’s journey continues, his story inspires student-athletes everywhere: never give up on your dreams, for the process is never truly over until you reach the pinnacle of success.