WELCOME TO RUNNING ON FAITH - WHERE FAITH MEETS PURPOSE
My track and field journey and what I'll be doing in the UK!
On the track:
Track and field has shaped me in ways I never expected. I began my collegiate journey at the University of Michigan, where I struggled to find my place and nearly walked away from the sport altogether. It was a confusing and painful season, but through a lot of prayer and the support of my closest friends, I entered the transfer portal with no certainty of what would come next... only a quiet hope that God had more in store. In His faithfulness, He opened the door for me to join the incredible program at San Diego State University, where I trained under Coach Sheila Burrell and rediscovered not only my passion for the sport but a deeper sense of purpose within it.
During my time at SDSU, by God's grace, I grew into a NCAA Division I All-American, a 3 time Mountain West Champion and achieved personal bests of 6.52m in the long jump, 11.30s in the 100m, and 7.22s in the 60m in three seasons as an Aztec. But even more than the accolades, it was the adversity that transformed me. In March 2023, I underwent knee surgery that could have ended my career. With relentless rehab, prayer, and perseverance, I came back stronger the following year - even as injury and setback after setback continued to come. It was in those quiet, painful moments that I learned how to rely on God more deeply than ever before.
As my time at SDSU came to a close, I realized that my identity and purpose in this sport were not defined by NCAA success. I still have big dreams and goals - including the Olympics - but more importantly, I know I’m not finished glorifying the Lord through the gifts He’s entrusted to me. Track and field is my ministry, my passion, and my offering. I’m just getting started.
Soo... what's next?
The Mission Ahead
This August, I’ll be moving to the United Kingdom for two years to pursue a lifelong dream - to train professionally as a long jumper and sprinter, compete at the highest level, and work toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. My heart is set on the Lord as I take this step of faith, trusting Him to lead, provide, and use me in ways I can’t yet imagine.
At the same time, I’ll begin part-time graduate studies at Loughborough University, one of the top institutions in the world for sport and performance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow as both an athlete and a student, and I could not be more grateful or excited for what’s ahead!
Serving Through Sport and Local Church
Alongside training and studying, I’ll be serving with Athletes in Action UK, a global ministry that uses sport as a platform to share the gospel and help athletes grow in their faith. I’ll be serving at AIA UK events - encouraging students, leading Bible studies, creating community, and pointing them toward the love and truth of Jesus.
I’ll also be partnering with Junction Church in Loughborough, where I’ll have the opportunity to serve through local ministry and invest deeply in the surrounding community. One area I’m especially passionate about is continuing to work with middle and high school students. Those years were incredibly formative in my own life, and I truly credit so much of who I am today to the leaders at McLean Bible Church who poured their time, love, and wisdom into me and my peers. Being on the other side of that now, walking with students in San Diego through mentoring and discipleship, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I’m so excited to continue pouring into the next generation in the UK, both through the church and on campus. Whether it is cheering someone on at practice, having a real conversation over coffee, or leading a small group, I believe God is going to move in powerful and personal ways.
Join the Journey
As I step into this exciting new chapter in the UK, I am stepping out in faith and trusting that where God leads, He also provides. Because of student visa restrictions, I am not permitted to earn income while I am in the country. This means I will be relying fully on His provision through the generosity, encouragement, and support of others.
I’m currently building a team of prayer and financial supporters who want to be part of the impact God is making through this next season. If you feel led to support, stay connected, or walk alongside me in any way, I’d be deeply grateful to have you on this journey.
Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity mean more than words can express. They are not just support, they are a vital part of what makes this journey possible. I truly believe that the seeds planted this season will grow into something far greater than we can imagine. Thank you for considering how you might come alongside me in what God is doing. Below, you’ll find buttons that link to different ways you can give, stay connected, and be part of this mission.