During my travel ball experience in high school, I played with the same group until my sophomore year. It was then when I started to travel to Southern California (I am from Northern California) to play for a very competitive team: Firecrackers- Rico. This was the first time that I was faced with some internal battles and even contemplated quitting. I experienced so much doubt and imposter syndrome that the game no longer felt joyful for me. I remember breaking down to my dad in the Georgia airport coming back from a tournament and crying over the fact that I did not want to play the game anymore. My dad (bless that man!) did a wonderful job of making me feel heard while also not letting me give up on my dreams. He told me that if I felt the same way at the end of the summer that we could figure out how to navigate that space (as I was already committed to play at UW during this time). After our last tournament that summer and on our 6.5-hour drive home, I remember telling my dad that I was never going to let myself get to that space again, nor would I ever be that teammate again. I was committed to discovering my love for the game again. I went back to playing wall ball and whiffle ball, and did all of the things that made me fall in love with the game from the very beginning. I remembered to have FUN again. Suddenly the sport didn't feel as heavy as it did months before. I also cannot thank my family enough for their sacrifices along the way. My team was 6.5 hrs away from my hometown and my entire close-knit village helped me make it happen, and for that I am eternally grateful. I loved my experience playing for Tony Rico and learned so much being in that space. 

"I remembered to have fun again. Suddenly, the sport didn't feel as heavy as it did months before."

In 2017, I started my new chapter at the University of Washington and I was lucky enough to compete for multiple national championship while fostering relationships that I will cherish forever. My goal was to truly pour into others around me, and while doing so I was named an All-American and Defensive Player of the Year 3 times (WHAAATTT!?!?). I am very proud of my college career- I mean... little Sis would literally pee her pants if she knew how far she had come. During my junior year of college, I started going to therapy as I was really unhappy and couldn't exactly pinpoint why. It was a scary feeling for me as I am so passionate about pouring joy into others. I remember sitting in my first appointment and crying for an hour straight. My sweet therapist handed me a tissue box and I sat there and cried for another hour, without any words even coming out of my mouth. The fact that I was asking for help was something that scared the living heck out of me. Looking back, I am now extremely proud of myself for doing so. I share this part of my story because it is so close to my heart and I want to let others know that it is 100000% okay and normal- encouraged even- to ask for help. You are not alone and you are so so brave for seeking support. More on this topic to come!!

After my college career, I then stepped into a role as a student coach. I was honored to support the UW softball team in this role primarily on the defensive side of things. I loved this role because I was still around the program I hold so dear to my heart while sharing my passions for defense with the people I love! Come on, a dream! Oh ya- all while getting my masters and training for my professional season??? I couldn't have asked for a better transition into "my adult life". I also stepped into the role of Director of Player Development for UW softball in the 2023-2024 season and learned so much about teaching, guiding, and creating an environment for players to thrive. I feel I am eternally indebted to the University of Washington and all of the people that play a part in the program, as it has made me who I am today.

Fast-forward to current day! I am now a professional softball player with Athletes Unlimited and play for team USA. I take ultimate pride in representing our Country and I feel grateful to be able to wear those three letters across my chest while playing the sport I love so dearly. I have been playing for the past 4 years and hope to play for many more to come.  I often get asked during my pro season "what is your goal for this year" and my answer is always the same. I want to spread love and joy to my teammates to help them be the best versions of themselves. I feel that when I am pouring into others, that is when I compete best.

I have immense gratitude for the sport of softball and all of the opportunities it has provided me. I mean, I am an Adidas athlete?!?! Like WHAT?? And have my own cleats... not only one but two pairs???? I didn't think things like this could happen to people like me. But I am living proof that with hard work, perseverance, and learning all the little (and big) lessons along the way, YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS (and more)!

For this reason, I hope to inspire young softball-ers that literally ANYTHING is possible!!! Take it from me- it doesn't matter how big or strong you are, if you're from a hot spot for the game or live in the middle-of-nowhere, or if you have been playing for years or just started. I promise you, if you are passionate about something and are loving people hard... anything is possible!

"I promise you, if you are passionate about something and are loving people hard... anything is possible!"

xo, Sis