Sometimes, I have to pinch myself.
Just a year after picking up throwing, I earned a scholarship as a DI athlete.
And to think it all started with me as a long-distance runner.
Not the most common transition, right?
But if there is one thing my story will teach you, it’s that it’s never too late.
My journey is packed with unexpected twists and turns, and hopefully, it inspires others to start something new, too.
Getting started in track & field
It all started in California.
I spent most of my childhood under the warm San Diego sun, where I lived for 16 years. Track and field wasn’t initially a part of my life, but that all changed when I made the decision to join the high school track team as a wide-eyed freshman.
My high school was a track and field behemoth, boasting a staggering 300 athletes vying for a place in various events.
Competition was fierce, but destiny had its own plans for me.
At the time, I found myself placed in the long-distance group, focusing on the one-mile race.
Despite nursing a stress fracture in my hip, I managed to run an impressive 5:52 mile time, a feat that filled me with pride and a burning passion for more.
But then, as we all know, the world was hit by the unexpected upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Everything came to a screeching halt, including my beloved track and field.
With my competitive spirit still burning, I embarked on a quest to find alternative ways to stay active.
It was during this time that I stumbled upon a documentary on Netflix, introducing me to CrossFit, a sport I had longed to try but had been held back from by my mother’s reservations.
However, the pandemic brought about a change of heart in my mom, and I began to regularly attend the CrossFit gym.
Off to Olympic Weights
Curiosity led me to explore Olympic weightlifting, inspired by my best friend, Sofia, who was a Junior Olympic weightlifter.
Her dedication and determination inspired me deeply, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”
Little did I know, this decision would lay the foundation for my future.
Fast forward to 2020, and my family and I made a life-altering decision.
My mom stumbled upon a YouTube video called “Top 10 Reasons Why to Move to Chattanooga, TN” and we were instantly smitten.
My family liked the video so much, we sold our California home within two weeks, drove across the U.S., and relocated across the country.
I can’t make this up.
This move was the epitome of a new beginning, a fresh chapter in our lives that held untold promise.
Upon settling in Chattanooga, I eagerly joined the track team at my new, smaller school, which stood in stark contrast to the behemoth I was accustomed to.
Instead of the 300-member track team, we only had about 30 athletes, which ended up opening an entirely new world of possibilities for me.
Curiosity led me to explore Olympic weightlifting, inspired by my best friend, Sofia, who was a Junior Olympic weightlifter. Her dedication and determination inspired me deeply, and I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" Little did I know, this decision would lay the foundation for my future.
Becoming a thrower
Now, here’s where my story takes an unexpected turn.
I approached my new track coach with aspirations of continuing my journey as a one-miler.
But, the coach responded with a chuckle, “You’d be a really good thrower.”
I was taken aback.
Me, a thrower?
I had always envisioned myself as a long-distance runner.
However, I quickly realized that a two-year running hiatus makes a three-mile run a lot more grueling than I remembered. So I officially retired from long-distance running to embrace a new chapter as a thrower.
And thus began my new journey.
I really enjoyed the new challenge, especially the strength aspect of the sport.
But truthfully, it was more like a hobby for me at the time.
I still considered CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting my two go-to sports.
At the time, I had no intentions of going to college as a thrower.
Becoming a DI college athlete
And then, in less than two years, I became a DI athlete.
How? It was a combination of factors.
First and foremost, my rigorous training regimen was unrelenting. I woke up at 4 a.m. each morning, spending hours at the gym, followed by a full day of school, and then practice in the afternoon.
My determination, motivation, and passion for becoming the best drove me forward.
Equally crucial was my exceptional coach, who recognized my strengths and consistently pushed me to reach my fullest potential.
However, it wasn’t just physical training that propelled me to new heights.
My mental resilience and fortitude, played a pivotal role.
My driving force was the desire to win, not just for myself but to shatter stereotypes and inspire others.
I wanted to show that girls could be strong and that no obstacle was too great to overcome.
It was during this phase that I turned to Instagram.
Inspiring others
I launched my IG account initially as a means to track my progress and inspire others through my fitness journey. It predominantly featured my CrossFit and weightlifting achievements.
But when I transitioned to college and couldn’t maintain the same content, I adapted.
My focus shifted towards infusing humor and relatability into my posts, assuring my followers that I understood their struggles and that they weren’t alone.
This is why I believe sharing my story is important.
It’s not merely about my own achievements; it’s about demonstrating that anything is possible.
It’s about empowering young girls to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
It’s about sowing seeds of hope and resilience.
So, my message to all of you is this: It’s never too late to embark on a new journey.
Whether it’s a new sport, a fresh passion, or an entirely new chapter in life, embrace it with open arms.
Welcome the new beginnings, the challenges, and the opportunities because you never know where your path may lead.
And always remember, you possess the power to inspire others along the way.
Keep chasing your dreams, and never, ever give up.
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