Ryan Verdult defines what it means to be a ‘whole student’. He is in the top 2% of young adults that are prepared to achieve academic success and contribute to the college community from the moment he steps on campus. 

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As a high school coach and business executive, I have had the pleasure of mentoring hundreds of young adults. I have learned that many high school students have the skills to adapt to college life, but few are prepared to thrive on day one. Ryan is part of the top 2% that is ready now. He is goal-oriented, disciplined and organized. His strong time management skills, communication abilities and empathetic core lead to balance and success across all areas of life including academics, athletics, family, friends and work. 

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Over the last four years, I have had the pleasure of mentoring Ryan as his high school baseball coach. Our baseball program emphasizes the importance of having balance as a student and athlete. Ryan has always set the example for his peers and younger student-athletes. On campus, he is a proven pioneer, builder and driver. He participated in the high school leadership club to increase student participation in school programs. As a founding member of the Youth Climate Action Coalition (YCAC) organization, he uses his leadership skills and influence to raise student body and community awareness of climate change. Ryan not only participates in high school water polo and baseball, he is a standout in each. Prior to the pandemic, he worked with young aspiring baseball players to create a fun learning experience as a PONY league umpire. During the pandemic, he learned to “punch the clock” as a Starbucks cashier and continued to invest heavily in his baseball craft. The young man does all of this while taking AP classes and maintaining a 4.67 weighted GPA (4.45 academic GPA). 

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Spend an hour on the baseball field with Ryan and you will quickly understand the origins of his off-field success. As his coach, I get to witness how he operates daily. Ryan not only works harder than most, he works smarter. He is detail-oriented and takes pride in doing each rep with high intensity and precision. While Ryan is a gifted athlete, it’s this work ethic and dedication that has made him one of the top pitchers in our area. It’s also why he received the Most Improved Player award in baseball and water polo. Ryan’s impact on his team goes far beyond his ability to get people out on the mound. He is a supportive teammate, leader and ambassador of our program. As a team captain for the varsity baseball team, his teammates respect him and his coaches rely on him. 

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This letter of recommendation began with describing Ryan Verdult as the definition of a ‘whole student’. The reality is, he is much more than that. Ryan is a great person with the proven ability to achieve under all circumstances. Despite having to learn to cope with nystagmus since birth, he has never used his vision challenges as an excuse. He has learned to adapt and persevere. It’s this perseverance, commitment to excellence and ability to connect with and leader others, that puts Ryan in the top 2% of college applicants. While this is my biased opinion, I have been around enough high school and college students to recognize a standout when I see one. 

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As a founder of a growth mindset software company and high school coach, I highly recommend you consider Ryan Verdult to attend your university. I am confident the young man is prepared for the rigors of college and will make an immediate impact on campus. Thank you for the consideration. Please contact me if you have any questions.