Growing up my parents would wake my three siblings and me up around 4 am to take us to a babysitter. At age twelve, my twin sisters were responsible for taking care of my younger brother and I because my parents could no longer afford a babysitter. As a child, I hardly saw my parents because they worked extensively in order to provide for my siblings and me. As a child that impacted my schooling and academic performance. It led to several suspensions for inappropriate behavior and poor academic performance. Thankfully, soccer saved me from pursuing the wrong path. I also promised my mother that going forward I was not going to disappoint her. Soccer eventually became a huge part of my life and of my family.

As a child, I hardly saw my parents because they worked extensively in order to provide for my siblings and me.

Growing up I was a star soccer player and my aspiration was to become a professional athlete. I knew I had the talent and gave it my all to achieve that dream! During high school, my parents supported me in getting recruited to play for Real So Cal which required me to commit and travel 2 hours to and from training Monday to Thursday. It was a commitment my family and I were willing to make in hopes of making my dreams a reality. My parents have made several sacrifices throughout my soccer career. For example, using the rent money to send me to the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) Showcase in Dallas, Texas which was a tournament that would increase my exposure to scouts and college coaches.

Throughout high school, I was determined to achieve my dream of playing college soccer and becoming a professional soccer player. However, my dreams of playing collegiate soccer and playing professionally were put at risk! During my senior year of high school, I broke my fibula, dislocated my ankle, and tore several ligaments. I had to get a plate and 10 screws, putting an end to my high school career. I was devastated, but it only made me more resilient!

My resiliency led me to considerable success both educationally and athletically as I was valedictorian of my high school class, graduating with a 4.2 GPA, enrolling at the University of California, Riverside, and getting recruited to play for the UC Riverside Men’s soccer program.

As I started my freshman year of college I rehabilitated my leg to be a part of the team roster. As a sophomore, convinced I had completely recovered from my injury, I was told by the coaches that I was still not at the Division 1 competing level–I was cut from the team. I looked up to the coaching staff and told them that I was not a quitter! They gave me one more opportunity to prove them wrong.

As a junior, I finally made the final roster. Despite my severe leg injury, major surgery, and not being the most physically talented player, I was able to play for a Division 1 program. I won the coaching staff over by exemplifying intangibles of resiliency, hard work, dedication, leadership, and an unwillingness to quit; I now utilize those assets in my education, career, and life.

Additionally, upon entering college, I was a full-time athlete, full-time student, part-time worker, and active student on campus. During the last two years of my undergraduate studies, I worked three jobs to be able to fund my education and pay for my bills. During that period, I also founded the Dreamers Soccer Clinic, a non-profit that I started for underprivileged youth. The organization provides soccer clinics, after-school programs, mentorship, and educational workshops in hopes to inspire kids to dream big and pursue higher education.

Although I did not play professionally, I was able to gain important life lessons along the way. It also provided me the opportunity to pursue a higher education. As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to use my platform and voice to represent my community and students that have similar stories. My community and their stories live within me and are what motivated me to start Beyond Excellence.

Ultimately, growing up in Lake Los Angeles, California, a small rural town in Los Angeles County, I would have never imagined that I would be embarking on this journey. Therefore, I hope you join us by using your story to make a change not just in your community, but in this world!

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Advice to younger self:

• • Dream Big

• • Do things out of love

• • Live life with no regrets