This rising star is not new to hard work and dedication. Having been a part of football his entire life gave him a love for the sport, but his determination to train and work hard every day would afford him the opportunity to receive a D1 scholarship to play for the UCLA Bruins. And, did we mention, he graduated high school one year early, now in his second semester of college at the age of 17.
This month’s extraordinary teen is Brett Hundley, a Business Major at UCLA and quarterback for the UCLA Bruins. Brett is aware that in order to succeed he must put in hard work which demonstrates his commitment for excellence.
“…You have to train to get better every day and make sure you’re at your best because there is always someone else trying to surpass you.” Brett Hundley
Name: Brett Hundley
Age: 17
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Becoming ME: How long have you trained in football?
Brett: I have been in football for practically my whole life. It’s something I love taking part in.
Becoming ME: Where do you train?
Brett: In AZ I train around my neighborhood (Me and my dad jog about 4-5 miles a day during the weekdays.) Then I’ll throw the ball with one of my coaches and weight lift in my high school weight room.
Becoming ME: What should be the priorities of an athlete?
Brett: Just to be the best you can be and to make the most out of every opportunity.
Becoming ME: Tell us something about your practice philosophy?
Brett: To make sure I get better each and every day.
Becoming ME: What is the intellectual aspect of the game? How do you study defenses? How do you know what they are getting ready to do?
Brett: Film is huge when trying to compete in college and [so] forth. Identifying tendencies of a defense and being able to determine match ups are a critical part of knowing what the opposition is going to do before they do it.
Becoming ME: What’s the most difficult part of your position? The most enjoyable?
Brett: Difficult- Having to know everything that is going on and everything the defense is doing.
Enjoyable- Dissecting a defense
Becoming ME: Do you consider yourself an accurate passer in short yard situations, or are you a long ball passer?
Brett: I can do both; I don’t say one has the edge over the other. I mean short passes are easier to complete but if I need to throw deep I have enough confidence in my arm to make a long throw
Becoming ME: When the game is on the line and they call a pass play to win the game or to gain a first down, how do you handle the pressure?
Brett: Just like any other play, Stay calm and do what you’ve been coached to do.
Becoming ME: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment in football?
Brett: Getting a D1 scholarship to play football for the UCLA Bruins
Becoming ME: Tell us about a time you were disappointed?
Brett: When I didn’t start my junior year on Varsity (I began starting my the third game into the season though)
Becoming ME: What school do you attend? What grade are you in?
Brett: UCLA. (Technically I am still a senior in High school) But I graduated early and am in my second quarter of school here at UCLA)
Becoming ME: Tell us about your biggest accomplishment in school?
Brett: Being a part of NHS (National Honors Society)
Becoming ME: List some of the leadership roles you have had in the past?
Brett: Being a role model for others in High school
Becoming ME: Give an example of when you have risen to a challenge set for you?
Brett: My junior year I expected to be the starter but was not. Even though I wasn’t I kept competing and I got my chance the third game of the season and never looked back.
Becoming ME: Who are your role models/mentors and why?
Brett: My parents are huge role models to me because they have overcome a lot of things to get to the point where they are.
Becoming ME: What is your motto?
Brett “Do what you need to do, to do what you want to do.”
Becoming ME: What is one advice that you can give teens/tweens your age that has a goal/passion in life?
Brett: Keep working towards it and don’t get distracted from your goal.
Becoming ME: What advice can you give teen/tweens on challenging fear?
Brett: Don’t let your fear beat you before you even attempt to try something. Everyone has fears but you must overcome those things in order to move forward in life.
Becoming ME: On motivation?
Brett: Stay motivated and never lose your passion for whatever it may be your doing.
Brett’s success has come as a result of many years of hard work. It’s no surprise that he is an Extraordinary Teen doing Extraordinary Things!
If you or someone you know is an extraordinary teen and you would like to share your story please leave a comment with your email address In the Who’s Doing What section, and we will conduct an interview with you as well.
Stayed tuned for more Extraordinary Teens doing Extraordinary Things!
My name is ShaRae Kalian and I am an education and leadership advocate. I strive to bring about extreme personal humility with intense personal will to help others to succeed. I believe that the passion we have within us is the fuel that drives us and it’s the burning desire that says, “Let’s march! Let’s go after what we want.” It shows in my publications and leadership trainings. I believe that each one of us has a passion that is self-generated and a contagious tool!
