I grew up hating basketball, ironically.
My parents played basketball, my extended family played basketball, and I was super into art when I was young.
But, then I made a shift after we moved back from Amsterdam as a family. I had planned to spend the summer with art but instead went to a basketball camp. I came back from camp and just started to fall in love with the sport. I had some great teammates and some great coaches that really started me off!
Now, it's the love of my life.
I was fortunate to work with Susan King Borchardt, who played at Stanford (and eventually for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA), and she really set me up for success.
I’ve been lucky to have some really great role models before me as leaders. Now with my team, I try to lead with encouragement, and always bring energy and passion to the floor.
I just wanna play basketball for as long as possible. Whatever happens, happens, of course. I just know I’m going to work hard every day and always strive to be the hardest worker in the gym.
Playing in two final fours back to back was surreal but it honestly feels like an expectation at this point in a good way. We always strive for excellence as a team, so I think it’s going to be our goal every year. What I love about my team the most is that we always make it fun!
There’s a lot of pressure and a lot of people watching but we continue to enjoy every moment as a team. We’re out there making jokes when times are tough, I love my team and I'm excited to make it back there with them again hopefully!
If I could give one piece of advice to younger athletes and basketball players I’d say burnout is a real thing. You have to give yourself time to be a kid and remember it’s a game and to have fun with it!
I’d also say as much training as you do on the court you have to do off the court. Nutrition is huge. Strength training is also one of the biggest things that has contributed to my success.
