I left behind my family, high school friends and the comforts of home at 15 years old to play soccer in Germany through a partnership with Fortuna Dusseldorf. I embraced the opportunity of living, training and playing abroad, learning a new language, all while attending one of the most rigorous schools in Germany. It was one of the best experiences of my life! I focused on my purpose for being there and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Living abroad prepared me for college and to be accountable for myself.
I have worked hard on and off the field for this next stage of my life--to play college soccer at a great school. My family and I have made sacrifices without hesitation, in order to pursue this dream. In my time as a youth goalkeeper, I have had triumphs and defeats. I have been on the consistently ranked #1/#2 team in the country (making it to the State/National Cup Finals 3 years in a row, winning National Cup the 3rd time and then proceeding to the finals at regionals), have won countless premier tournaments, was part of USSDA and now MLS Next. I have dealt well with the pressures and demands of being an elite goalkeeper, often playing up an age group. It is easy to shine when you are on top but I believe you can really see someone's true character when they are not. I have had to recover from a significant injury and work my way back, mentally and physically. It was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through but I trained hard, was focused and determined to return back strong and ready to go. Giving up is not in my nature--if someone thinks that I won't be able to do something, that motivates me to show them that I can. I may not be on the #1 ranked team in the country, right now--but I won't let that stop me in my pursuit to be there once again!