Editor’s Note: This story is primarily written up in Q & A (question and answer) format.
BOCA RATON – Big rewards tend to come as a result of someone’s sacrifice.
In the case of Michael Pratt, this certainly rings true in more ways than one.
The Boca Raton 2020 rising star is widely seen as the No. 1 quarterback from his class in Palm Beach County and No. 2 overall, behind only 2019 quarterback Gio Richardson (No. 1 overall). He completed nine of 11 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in Boca Raton’s spring game, which was a 28-7 home win over South Broward on May 25.
Although Pratt is ranked behind Richardson on the football field, he has him – and everyone else – beat in perhaps a more important category.
For May 2018, New Era Prep has selected the Bobcats sensation as its Student-Athlete of the Month. We wish him the very best in all of his current and future endeavors.
Q & A CHAT WITH MICHAEL PRATT
New Era Prep: What does it mean to be a student-athlete in your own words? You can mention some core values your coaches instilled in you and the team.
Pratt: To be a student-athlete, it means that academics always come first and it is what gives you the opportunity to play on Friday nights. Being a student-athlete prepares you for life as an adult, having to make sacrifices in your social life to balance the roles of being a full-time student and also a full-time athlete. My coaches have always told me, “You aren’t working hard to be able to play in college. You are working hard to provide yourself a free education to better the rest of your life because football is temporary.”
New Era Prep: Who or what motivates you when adversity strikes?
Pratt: When adversity strikes, my coaches and myself motivate me to see what kind of person I am when the going gets tough. It’s easy to be motivated when you’re on top, but when things aren’t going the way you would like, how you handle the situation defines what type of leader you are.
New Era Prep: Who played a major role in your success on and off the field?
Pratt: On the field my success comes strictly from the people I am surrounded by. In football it takes 11 on the offense and 11 on the defense. You are only as strong as your weakest link. My teammates and coaches have been the key to my personal success. And off the field my family has helped me grow through supporting me when we are winning and when we are losing.
New Era Prep: How instrumental have your coaches and teammates been to your production on and off the field?
Pratt: My coaches have been the heart of my production and growth by keeping me on the right track on the field and in the classroom. And my teammates have helped me grow by keeping my mind focused and being the person that they rely on as their leader.
New Era Prep: As you may know, your character and grades play a big role in your recruiting process. Who and what influences you to do your best in the classroom?
Pratt: Grades always come before anything else to me. My greatest influence has been my mother, who homeschooled me all throughout elementary and middle school and taught me how important my education is.
New Era Prep: Do you plan to take any college visits this summer?
Pratt: No college visits, but I am going to multiple camps over the summer.
New Era Prep: What’s your GPA and HPA?
Pratt: My GPA is a 4.0 and my HPA this year is a 5.6.
New Era Prep: What are your personal and team goals for next season?
Pratt: Both my personal and team goals for next season will be to make a run in the playoffs.
NOTE: We will be closely following Pratt’s progress on and off the field this upcoming season and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates.
