Family support leads Phillips Andover junior Jack Penney to Notre Dame

Phillips Andover junior Jack Penney is committed to Notre Dame to play baseball. (Courtesy photo)

Fortunately, for someone like Jack Penney, the love, caring and support he has secured from his family has been managed the right way. In looking out for his best interests, Penney's upbringing has allowed him to grow successfully in the classroom and on the athletic field without the added pressure. Not only is the Phillips Andover junior a solid academic performer, but also an accomplished baseball player. Enough so that he has already made a verbal commitment to attend and play baseball for the University of Notre Dame beginning in 2022.

Penney understands the opportunity of him being enrolled at such a prominent educational facility like Phillips Academy has opened many doors for him. The decision to attend the esteemed institution, instead of finishing out his high school years at a public school, was optimally made by him. No matter what avenue Penney had chosen, he knew he would have the complete backing of his father, Matt, and mother, Kim. The same could be said for his athletic endeavors also.

"My dad has always been a supporter in everything I have ever done," said Penney. "He coached me in youth lacrosse, hockey and baseball, so I learned all of my basic knowledge of sports through him. I have always looked up to my dad, and he is the type of person I would like to be. His humility is what I aspire to have. I know that I have taken that humility with me to Andover."

Growing up, Penney played a number of sports. But as he got older, he started to realize the need to whittle the list down and concentrate on the ones he enjoyed most. Also a point guard on the Big Blue's varsity basketball team, Penney says he was never been pushed into playing a particular sport, nor was he swayed when making his choice to attend Phillips Academy.