I grew up in the Midwest where sports and mentorship played a huge role in shaping who I am today. The many coaches and mentors I encountered taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. One of the greatest lessons I learned early on was that we’re entitled to nothing—if I wanted something, I had to work for it. That mindset ignited a deep motivation and grit in me from a very young age. I had the privilege of playing collegiate volleyball, an experience that pushed me to new levels both mentally and physically. Beyond the court, I was involved in Athletes in Action, a ministry that helped me grow not just as an athlete but as a person—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. That ministry still holds a special place in my heart today.