Before finding my footing at Friends University, life was a bit challenging.

I dabbled in multiple sports, played the violin for five years, and during high school, settled on volleyball and track and field.

Track has always been my main sport, but I never imagined I'd be competing at the collegiate level.

It wasn't until I became a part of Friends University Athletics that I truly believed in my abilities.

A Special Opportunity

Truth is, I ended up at Friends because of Coach Brun.

I had signed up for a recruiting website to explore college throwing opportunities, and thankfully, Coach Brun didn't pass me by.

From the moment I visited the campus, I knew it was where I belonged for the next four years. The people and environment made a lasting impact on me and my mom. We both knew this was the place for me.

I loved the faith and spiritual aspect here and how inviting everyone was. It felt like God opened the door to Friends at just the right time for me.

Learning From the Best

I've been fortunate enough to have incredible coaches and staff members who have had a positive impact on my life since I first arrived at Friends.

One person who stands out is Kortney Schutt. When I got recruited, all the throwers were graduating, so I had to learn two new events without guidance from upperclassmen.

I reached out to Kortney for help, and I'm so grateful for her willingness to assist me. Building a connection with someone who holds two school records, All-American honors, and an ESPY award is beyond valuable to me.

Having coaches and staff who genuinely care about students' overall well-being is what makes Friends so special. As a student-athlete, I feel they care about my mental, physical, and spiritual health, and they truly want to help set me up for mythe future.

They create an environment where students can thrive in all aspects.

Winning the Hammer Throw

When I think back on my time as a student-athlete here, some of my favorite experiences are the trips to and from track meets, winning back-to-back conference titles in the hammer throw, and qualifying for nationals.

My coaches and teammates make these trips memorable, even if we're just going a few hours away.

Winning the hammer throw at conference the past two years has been the experience of a lifetime for me, especially considering I rarely won track meets in high school.

I was incredibly proud of all the hard work I put in to qualify for nationals as a sophomore last year.

If there's one thing I've learned from my coaches, it's that if I want something, I need to go get it without hesitation.

Work hard, train with a purpose, and go after the goals I've set for myself.

Making an Impact

As I continue my journey as a student-athlete, I want to be remembered as someone who led others, never gave up, and always tried to do the right thing.

I've been blessed in many ways as an upperclassman on the track and field team, and I want to make the most out of the time I have left. My goal is to make an everlasting impact on the Friends athletic community and my team.

Friends University has been a place of growth, support, and opportunity for me. I am grateful for the chance to compete at the collegiate level, learn from incredible coaches and teammates, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

As I continue my journey, I am determined to leave a legacy of leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to doing what's right.