My journey involved a significant setback the spring of my freshman year in high school. I was playing football, basketball and running track - until I learned I had broken multiple bones in my back. The road to recovery was long, filled with physical therapy sessions and more than a few moments of doubt. Doctors told me to set the bar low and prepare to never be the athlete I was before my injury. However, I refused to succumb to adversity. Through sheer determination, grit, and countless hours of rehabilitation, I not only recovered but defied the odds by returning to the fields of high school baseball and the golf team. Playing two sports that participate in the fall and spring can be difficult, even without being behind from an injury. I worked with my coaches, put in extra work during the school week and challenged myself on the weekends - nothing could stop me and my fire was fueled by others doubt. Today, I compete at the highest level and even my doctors were amazed when they gave me a 100% clearance to participate in all activities. I made the difficult decision to walk away from baseball after ten years and focus on golf last year. I love the challenge of the course, the mental battle the game provides and the atmosphere my coach creates for golf to be about our team. Now in hindsight, I know that I would not be the player I am today had it not been for my injury. Golf was the first thing I was released to practice during recovery. My appreciation and love for the complexity of the sport is a reflection of my journey. I never want to be confined by small thinking and want to encourage people around me to set big goals and go after them.

Beyond the realm of sports, I knew it was important to demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence. Enrolling in challenging Advanced Placement (AP) classes, passing the tests and consistently ranking within the top 10% of my class represent outward achievements. This dedication to education is a reflection of how much I value education and my strong work ethic. What I have learned from this goes beyond knowledge, it has taught me how to manage my time, the importance of preparation, and how to translate my competitive spirit in sports into academics. I'm grateful to Coach Pepper for always pushing me in the classroom and helping me to recognize the powerful gift that exists in our mind to succeed well beyond grades or scores...it translates to life.

I have learned the true measure of leadership lies in the ability to inspire and guide others. At my school, I have enjoyed using my natural leadership gifts in roles that have had an impact on others. The one I am most proud of is taking a leadership role with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Our leadership team has brought the organization back to the campus, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. When my peers at other schools faced resistance from school administrations, I worked tirelessly to include their campus with us, recognizing the importance of unity and inclusivity. Sharing and living our faith is challenging at any age, but it's especially challenging in high school. I appreciate that FCA creates an environment for all of us to be vulnerable and place a focus on being more like Jesus.

I believe how I go about my day and the impact I have is more important than any one of my achievements. I try to lead by example, seeking honest insights and understanding. By acknowledging the flaws in myself I try to create an environment of grace and acceptance. I have made mistakes - some larger and more public than my friends - but I am grateful for the support that has helped me course correct and I want to help others do the same. It's hard for any one person to know the impact of their decision until sometimes it is too late. That's why it's so important to surround ourselves with people who will be honest with us even when it hard and who will provide us the support we need to get back on track.
I truly belive that my journey was prepared for me in advance. The mistakes I have made created learning opportunities and now it's my chance to be transparent with others so they can learn without the same mistakes. When someone interacts with me I hope they appreciate my resilience, leadership, and grace. If I can inspire just one person to challenge the odds, stay strong, learn from their mistakes and give their lessons back to others...then it was all worth it.