Cal Football

2021 OL Signee Bastian Swinney: Why I Chose Cal

By Bastian Swinney

January 6, 2021

6,166

Hello, My name is Bastian Swinney, Cal commit out of Minneapolis, Minnesota and I play football at Edina High School. I live with my little brother Meyer, Mom and Dad -Heidi and Matt Swinney, and finally my dog Sabrina.

I’ve been playing football as long as I can remember, as well as basketball. My dad was a star football player at Mounds View High School in Mounds View, Minnesota. He holds the single season tackle and sack record at the school and was going to play football at ASU until he blew out his knee his sophomore year. My mom was a standout swimmer and gymnast at Richfield High School In Richfield, Minnesota.

One thing that really stands out to me about football would be the comaraderie built throughout the team. As you progress through the years, you really build strong bonds amongst your teammates, ultimately becoming family for the rest of your days.

I have a couple memories that really stick out to me, as well, such as winning All=Metro and All-State this year, being named All-state my sophomore year, and All-Lake Conference last year for basketball. A lot of people ask me, ‘Why Cal? You had so many other options,’ and I tell all of them the same thing every time: “You can't beat that education, that location, and especially that football.” The Cal family has welcomed me with open arms from the beginning, making me feel needed and wanted, and ultimately a part of something greater than myself.

I'm really looking forward to putting my best effort in for the teams’ greater good, whether that means I'm on the scout team giving the best looks I can to the starting defense, or if it means I’m starting and giving my all for the school to win games.

I’m also excited to explore the opportunities that Cal has academically, I plan to enter the Haas School of Business and hopefully achieve a masters degree. I hope to enter the NFL draft one day, and make a name for myself at a higher level. My backup to that would be to enter the business world and find a job in marketing or sales.

I have a lot of things that motivate me in life. in October of 2019, just a couple days after my birthday, my grandfather passed away. Everything I do is to make him proud, and I know that he definitely couldn’t have asked for more from me. Another thing that motivates me is myself. I want to be the best version of myself I can be, and I have help pursuing that from friends and family, as well. I’m planning on having a successful career at Cal and I’m super excited to join this family and get to work!

Roll On You Bears!!!!