From Montana to the Palouse

Soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Billings, Montana, standard days always revolved around a ball at my feet whether I was at practice with my team or alone in my backyard. That lifelong dedication eventually led me to the University of Montana, where I spent four years studying psychology and playing soccer for the Griz. During my time there, our team claimed four conference titles. My experiences at UM shaped who I am as an athlete and competitor.

Today, I’m proud to represent Washington State University as a Coug. But while fans see the game-day energy and the high-level Division I competition on the pitch, the reality of high-level athletics involves a lot of invisible training that happens when no one is watching.

My journey hasn’t been a straight line. Physical setbacks, like breaking my hand and then my rib, threw unexpected obstacles into my career. Beyond the physical pain of an injury, the hardest part is often what follows: the mental battle of working your way back, staying focused during recovery, and fighting to earn your starting spot in the lineup again. Rebuilding your confidence when you are sidelined requires just as much strength as any workout.

People often evaluate an athlete’s effort by what happens during the 90 minutes of match time, but the true foundation is built through the invisible training. It’s the hours spent in rehab and getting treatment from athletic trainers, prioritizing mental health and therapy, staying disciplined with nutrition and supplements, and grinding through workouts on summer and winter breaks when no one is watching. Staying fit, focused, and healthy year-round is a full-time commitment.

The physical and mental struggles of elite competition are real, and some days are undeniably hard. However, keeping the ultimate goal in mind makes every relentless hour worth it. Every rehab session, early morning lift, and hurdle on and off the field serves a purpose as I continue pushing toward the professional stage.