Born in Monroe, Louisiana, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, I grew up with karate in my blood. As the daughter and granddaughter of Senseis, my earliest memories are of the dojo, a place that quickly became my second home. I started karate at the age of 4, and by 12, I made the U.S. Junior National Team.

Though my journey in the junior ranks was filled with challenges and unmet goals, it fueled my determination. As I transitioned into the Senior level, I faced even more setbacks and losses—moments that tested my passion for the sport and made me consider quitting altogether. However, at 18, I finally broke through and earned a spot on the U.S. Senior Team, qualifying as the American representative to compete for a place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Then COVID-19 hit, and the world came to a standstill. With competitions on hold, I used that time to reset and grow, focusing on my mental and physical development. When the world opened back up, I faced the challenges head-on at the Olympic Qualifier—falling short, but not defeated.

Soon after, I competed in my first Pan American Championships and won gold. At my debut World Championships, I advanced to the semi-finals, defeating the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the quarter-finals. However, a dislocated elbow in the semi-finals kept me from fighting for the gold, and I finished with a silver medal.

While pursuing my karate dreams, I also graduated from UNLV with a degree in Psychology. Today, I channel my experiences, both victories and setbacks, into teaching and coaching aspiring athletes. I strive to help others find their inner strength, persevere through adversity, and reach their fullest potential—just as I continue to do every day in my own journey.