Star Kicker Heads to SMU | Celebrating Jake With Photos on His Home Football Field

I have known Jake for almost two decades. He and my daughter Kate attended preschool and elementary school together. I can’t believe that much time has passed. Jake is an amazing young man and I can’t wait for you to see his senior pictures. He is a very skilled athlete and student, a combination that landed him on the football team at Southern Methodist University (SMU). There, on top of being a full-time athlete, he plans to study business and is considering pursuing law. I love that we shot this session at his high school, Providence Day School (PDS), because we were able to celebrate all the hard work that helped him accomplish his dreams.

A Life Long Love of Football

Jake has been training as a kicker since 6th grade. He is a place kicker, kick off specialist and punter. He played on the Providence Day JV team his freshman year and quickly climbed the ladder to Varsity his sophomore year. After a season ending injury occurred during the first game of his junior year, Jake had to work twice as hard to rebuild his strength and get the attention of college scouts. Thankfully, his grind paid off! He had a great senior season at PDS and helped his team achieve back-to-back state championships.

When Jake got the offer to fill the kicker position at SMU, he immediately knew this was where he wanted to spend the next four years. Although he knows it will be challenging to balance academics and athletics, he is excited and looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

Making the Most of High School

I have no doubt Jake will be able to balance the athlete-scholar life, as his high school honors prove he is more than capable. On the academic side, Jake was named to the PDS Head of School’s list all four years. He is also an AP scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. For his commitment to football, Jake was selected to the 1st team All-Conference and received Honorable Mention All-State. He is also a two-time recipient of Providence Day’s Specialist of the Year award and a member of DOKP Special Op’s Training group – a national elite training group for kickers/punters.

In addition to these awards, Jake made amazing memories with his friends and teammates:

“Winning the State Championship for the 2nd year in a row is the highlight of my senior year athletically. It was a privilege to be a part of this hard working group of athletes and coaches. We made history at PD as back-to-back champions! This experience definitely helped me grow mentally and physically into a much better athlete. Outside of athletics, I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and all the senior year social events. I moved to PD in 9th grade and made some life-long friends while also still keeping up with friendships from my earlier school years at Elizabeth Lane Elementary and South Charlotte Middle.”

-Jake Porter, Class of 2023

Summer at SMU

Jake didn’t have much time in Charlotte post graduation. He reported to summer football training at SMU in late June. He was able to relax a little, however, as he had a beach trip and spent lots of time with his friends before leaving. I can’t wait to see Jake thrive at SMU, and I am so proud of his commitment to his sport. I have no doubt that one day we will all be repping his jersey and saying “I knew him when.”

Want to see more senior portraits sessions at Providence Day School? Check out this PDS track star and his baseball star older brother.

Click here to see more senior sessions from the blog. Now is the time to start planning your 2023-24 Senior Portrait Sessions. I only have a few spaces left for fall so please contact me soon if you are interested. I’m currently taking deposits for Spring 2024 Senior Sessions.