Being 6’3” in middle school certainly has its perks.
For one, my science teacher insisted I join the volleyball team.
I wasn’t sure about it, but I decided to give it a shot.
I showed up to practice and gave it my all, doing what I could to make an impact.
Little did I know, this small decision would set the stage for something much bigger.
One of the assistant volleyball coaches happened to be the head basketball coach. She saw potential in me, even when I wasn’t looking for it myself. “Why don’t you try basketball?” she asked.
I didn’t think twice about it.
At the start, I didn’t feel like I belonged.
My basketball journey mirrored my initial foray into volleyball. I was awkward, unsure, and still finding my footing.
Some people thought I was a lost cause.
But I didn’t let that define me.
Instead, I stayed persistent.
I held on to the belief that things could get better.
That faith—though small at first—began to grow.
And it’s that same faith and persistence that carried me through my athletic and academic career at the University of North Texas.
As the saying goes, “God is not dead, nor does He sleep.”
This is my story.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—my first two years at UNT were hard.
I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted. I was away from my family and felt disconnected from my teammates.
The circumstances left me feeling stagnant, both on and off the court.
I questioned myself daily.
Was I good enough?
Was this where I was meant to be?
It was a lonely and frustrating season of life.
But giving up wasn’t an option.
Despite the struggles, I held on to my faith.
I prayed for change—for clarity, for growth, and for strength to endure.
And slowly but surely, my prayers began to be answered.
Everything changed when we had a coaching transition.
The new coach brought with him something I had been longing for—a sense of purpose, accountability, and care for us as people, not just players.
This was the glimmer of hope I needed.
Under his leadership, we began to work hard for each other.
We started playing with heart and grit.
More importantly, we became a family.
The culture shift was transformative, and I knew it was an answer to prayer.
But it wasn’t just the external changes that mattered.
I had to change my mindset, too. Instead of focusing on what wasn’t going right, I leaned into gratitude.
I started seeing the good that was already present, even when it wasn’t obvious at first.
I built a deeper relationship with God during this time, trusting Him with every step.
As I leaned on my faith, I felt a new sense of peace and determination.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from being the youngest player on the team to one of the oldest.
Suddenly, I wasn’t just a teammate—I was a leader.
It wasn’t easy at first.
I had to learn how to lead with integrity, patience, and understanding. I had to be the kind of leader I wish I had during my early years.
This role forced me to grow.
I listened more.
I sought to understand my teammates’ perspectives.
I worked hard to be a positive influence and to set the right example.
In time, I saw the impact of our collective effort.
We built a culture of accountability and hard work.
We became a team that didn’t just play for wins—we played for each other.
Winning the AAC championship this past season was the culmination of everything we had worked for.
When the final buzzer sounded and confetti fell from the ceiling, it felt surreal.
The weight of years of struggle, sacrifice, and hard work lifted in that moment.
I can still feel the joy and relief of that night.
We had poured everything into this season, and it paid off.
The championship was more than a trophy—it was a testament to the power of faith and persistence.
Even when the odds seemed stacked against us, we never gave up.
We believed in each other, in our coaches, and in what we could achieve together.
Through it all, I held on to the mustard seed of faith that got me through the tough times.
That seed grew into something beautiful—something I’ll carry with me forever.
This experience has been more than just a chapter in my basketball career.
It’s been a journey of personal growth, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
As I look ahead, I want to keep building on what we’ve accomplished.
I want to make North Texas a team that others talk about—a team that inspires.
I want us to win more championships, make a mark in the NCAA tournament, and continue to grow together.
I know the road ahead won’t be easy.
But with faith and persistence, I’m confident we can overcome any challenge.
I’ve learned that the greatest victories come from the toughest battles, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s this: faith and persistence can move mountains.
When I started this journey, I didn’t fully believe in myself.
But I chose to hold on to hope, even when it felt like the smallest flicker.
And that hope grew.
To anyone who feels like they’re in a season of struggle, I want to say this: Don’t give up. Lean on your faith. Trust that God is working, even when you can’t see it. And never stop pushing forward.
Because on the other side of persistence is victory.
And on the other side of faith is a life filled with purpose, joy, and triumph.
This is my story, and it’s only the beginning.
