My name is TJ Larson, and I am a rising senior in the class of 2025 at Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, Illinois where I have excelled both academically and athletically. During my high school career I have been an active 3 sport athlete, I was part of an IHSA State Runner-Up basketball team as a shooting guard, and a quarterfinals football team as a wide receiver. From a young age, athletics have been a significant part of my life, but track and field has captured my passion like no other sport. I have helped my team set 3 school records (4×100/4×200/4×400) and I hope to break at least 2 more individual school records in the 110m hurdles and the 300m hurdles. My goal for my senior year is to run 14.2 seconds in the 110m hurdles and 39 seconds in the 300m hurdles. My current times for these events are 14.84 seconds in the 110m hurdles and 40.94 seconds in the 300m hurdles. This past year, I placed top ten in four separate running events during the IHSA state finals(4×100, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and 4×400), all while finding time to study for finals week to maintain a 4.10 weighted GPA with three AP courses.  

My track experiences have helped shape me into a disciplined individual and instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork and perseverance. I helped lead my high school track team to a 5th place finish at the 2024 IHSA state meet, which is the highest team finish ever in our school’s track history. In addition to my athletic achievements, I have maintained a rigorous academic schedule, achieving a 4.10 weighted GPA, while taking all of the AP classes that are offered at my high school. I have accepted the challenges of balancing my academic responsibilities with my athletic pursuits, excelling both athletically and academically at the high school level, and I am ready to do so at the collegiate level as well. Not only will I bring a competitive spirit, but I will also work to build camaraderie among my team. Over the past 3 years I have also enjoyed volunteering for our local Miracle League baseball program which allows people with disabilities to experience the same sense of joy and excitement that athletics brings to me. Often when volunteering, I pitch to the athletes, and every time I see the excitement on their faces it inspires me to work harder to succeed in my own athletics and strengthens my appreciation for the opportunity to help others.  

I am excited to find a college which will allow me to meet my academic, athletic, and personal goals. College athletics will enable me to grow and build relationships with both coaches and athletes thus opening new doors for me throughout my college experience and life. I look forward to learning more about your track program. For more information, please email me at tjlarson2025@gmail.com.