From Dreams to Reality: How Coach Helped Me Achieve My Goals by Thomas

From Dreams to Reality: How Coach Helped Me Achieve My Goals by Thomas - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

Thomas Coyne
Post University Class of 2027
From Dreams to Reality: How Coach Helped Me Achieve My Goals
3/13/23

When I first met Kevin Haverbusch, I was just a young baseball player with a dream of one day playing in college. Little did I know that Kevin would not only help me achieve that dream but would also have a positive impact on my education and life beyond baseball.

As a former standout high school athlete, college all-American and professional baseball player, Kevin brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our travel baseball team and my life in particular. He taught me not only the skills necessary to succeed on the field but also the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the classroom.

Off the field, Kevin was always encouraging us to focus on our education and future goals. He shared his own experiences of balancing baseball and academics in college and how it had opened doors for him beyond the sport. He continuously emphasized how the NCAA has strict academic requirements that must be met in order for student-athletes to maintain their eligibility to compete in their sport. Thus, colleges are often more likely to recruit student-athletes who have demonstrated academic success, as they are more likely to meet these academic requirements and maintain their eligibility to play. I distinctly remember the day he called me inside his office to discuss my future plans. After informing him of my low GPA, he showed me a chart that listed the differences between GPA ranges and the Universities I could attend. I was shocked, no one had ever been so concerned with me reaching my full potential. I can still hear his words ringing in my ears “If you try as hard in the classroom as you do on the field, there is no stopping you. Only you stand in your way.” His advice and guidance inspired me to work harder in the classroom and pursue a college education. I have since went from a 1.76 to a 2.58 GPA and secured a spot at Post University.

In addition to his baseball and academic coaching, Kevin is also a mentor and friend to all of us on the team. He was always available to talk to us about anything, whether it was baseball-related or not. He listens to our concerns and offers advice that has stuck me to the core. I love my parents and they do encourage me to be my best, but Kevin's brute honesty is a refreshing trait.

Thanks to Kevin's coaching and guidance, I not only earned the privilege to attend Post University, but a spot to play baseball in college. I also developed the skills and mindset to succeed in all aspects of my life. He taught me to believe in myself and to never give up on my dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. I just wish I listened to him earlier.

I am grateful for the impact that Kevin Haverbusch has had on my life, both on the diamond and in the classroom. He has been a mentor, coach, and friend, and I know that I would not be where I am today without his guidance and support. I hope to pay it forward and inspire others, just as he has inspired me.