North senior Dylan McDonald dreamed of playing college basketball and last week, he realized that dream when he committed to Defiance College.
“I am beyond excited to be able to continue my athletic and academic career,” McDonald said. “Countless hours put in the gym to make it this far and it was all worth it.”
Defiance began recruiting McDonald last summer and later came out to watch one of McDonald’s games.
An offer soon followed.
“What led me to Defiance was they were my first and only offer and they were really interested in me,” he said. “When I went on the visit, the coaches were super nice and were too excited about this upcoming year and having me be with them.”
During the recruiting process, McDonald used his recruitment as inspiration to work harder at practice each day.
“The process was great and well worth it,” he said. “Once I really knew that I had a college looking at me I worked extra hard every single day.”
Defiance recruited McDonald as a shooting guard.
“I think I will be able to fill that role really well, especially with how they run their offense,” said McDonald, who recorded 13.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game as a senior.
McDonald also led the Western Reserve Conference with a 76 percent success rate on 3-point tries and leaves North with the most 3-pointers scored in a single game—12.
As excited as he is about his future at Defiance, McDonald will miss his days as a Ranger, and he hopes his former teammates chase down their dreams in the future.
“Put in countless hours, push yourself past your limits, dream big, have goals, and check them off as you move forward,” McDonald offered as advice for other players who hope to play at the next level.
