Growing up in Redondo Beach, I was just a little girl with big dreams.
And there was one dream that encompassed all of my others – being a Nike athlete.
I remember watching professional athletes donning the iconic swoosh logo and thinking to myself, “One day, that’s going to be me.”
Representing the Nike brand meant everything to me.
It was a symbol of excellence, determination, and success.
It was a dream that fueled my passion for soccer and pushed me to reach for the stars.
When that dream came true, it’s hard to describe the feeling.
I love getting to wear all the gear, being a part of their campaigns, and wearing the logo, but being a Nike athlete is so much more than that.
It’s about being part of a movement, a brand that stands for something bigger than sports.
Nike’s commitment to diversity and pushing boundaries aligns with my own values.
It’s an honor to be associated with a brand that encourages athletes to dream big and break barriers.
Rewinding the clock
Being a Nike athlete was always the goal, but there were a lot of steps to getting there.
My journey in soccer started at a young age.
I began playing in AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) when I was just four years old.
I was inspired by my older cousin, who played Pac-12 soccer for Washington State.
I wanted to experience the same joy and attention she received from our family.
So, I joined her on the field, eager to make my mark.
By the age of six, I had already outgrown AYSO and moved on to club soccer.
It was clear that soccer was more than just a hobby for me – it was my calling.
Representing the Red, White, and Blue
At the age of 14, I received a life-changing opportunity.
I was invited to a U.S. youth national team camp.
It was during this camp that I discovered the world of U.S. soccer and the possibility of representing my country.
The moment was surreal.
It was as if a door had opened, revealing a path I never knew existed.
From that point on, my dedication to the sport intensified.
I worked tirelessly to improve my skills, and to prove myself worthy of wearing the red, white, and blue jersey.
The unforgettable realization of my ability to perform on the global stage struck me during my inaugural trip to Germany at the age of 15.
In our second game, netting two goals marked a pivotal “aha” moment.
While I was confident in my ‘hometown’ competitiveness, this experience broadened my belief in my capabilities on the international platform.
A second home at USC
But soccer wasn’t the only thing driving me.
My family played a significant role in shaping my journey.
USC, in particular, held a special place in our hearts.
I come from a long line of USC alumni, with my grandfather coaching USC football and my father playing for him.
It was a family tradition, and I wanted to continue that legacy.
USC felt like home to me, and I committed to the university as a freshman in high school.
The Trojan family became my second family, supporting me through thick and thin.
During my time at USC, I am pursuing a major in Business of Cinematic Arts with a minor in screenwriting.
I fell in love with the power of film and its ability to tell powerful stories.
I want to make a difference in the entertainment world; to diversify the narratives we see on screen.
As a student-athlete, I’ve embraced the challenge of balancing academics and athletics.
I’m an individual driven by the desire to excel in various fields.
My mom often teases me, saying I can’t be a jack of all trades and master of none. But I joke back stubbornly, telling her to just wait and see.
There’s just so much I aspire to achieve.
I aim to maximize my potential, understanding that balancing it all is challenging.
But despite the difficulty, it’s a goal I’m committed to pursuing.
After all, it’s who I am, and who I want to be at this point in my life.
As a student-athlete, I've embraced the challenge of balancing academics and athletics. I'm an individual driven by the desire to excel in various fields. My mom often teases me, saying I can't be a jack of all trades and master of none. But I joke back stubbornly, telling her to just wait and see.
Plaçage
In addition to my studies, I embarked on a new creative endeavor – writing my first screenplay.
The screenplay, titled “Plaçage,” explores the complex relationship between a white slave owner and a free woman of color.
Inspired by my time in New Orleans and my own heritage, I wanted to bring this story to life and shed light on a lesser-known aspect of history.
It’s a piece filled with love, drama, and a touch of romance.
I hope to finish it by next summer and share it with the world.
I know this all seems like a lot, but my dad always taught me to believe in the “why not me” mindset.
And I’ve just carried that with me in every stage of life.
Why not me to be a Nike athlete?
Why not me to represent the United States?
Why not me to go to USC and pursue screenwriting and play soccer?
This attitude is born from my faith and family.
My foundation
What drives me to reach my goals is a combination of my competitive nature, my desire to make my family proud, and my faith-driven purpose.
Growing up in a competitive athletic family, striving for excellence became second nature to me.
I wanted to prove to myself and those around me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Family is my why.
They have supported me every step of the way, from my early soccer days to becoming a Nike athlete.
Their love and encouragement have been my driving force.
And as I continue on this journey, I am committed to giving back; to using my platform to inspire and uplift others.
Whether it’s through soccer, film, or any other endeavor, I want to make a difference and leave a positive impact.
So, that’s me in a nutshell – a dreamer, a Nike athlete, a student, a writer, a soccer player, and a believer in the power of family and faith.
And I’m ready to make my mark on this world.
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