I’ve never been one to follow the crowd.
I didn’t play organized basketball until high school, and when I decided to join the National Guard, it wasn’t because someone inspired me to; it was because no one in my family had ever done it before.
Even as a kid, I gravitated toward unique paths, always intrigued by the road less traveled.
So, it feels right that I’m now balancing college basketball, academics, and serving in the Army National Guard—a life that’s anything but ordinary.
While it’s a lot to juggle at times, I’ve found that each part of my life feeds into the other.
Whether I’m in the classroom, on the court, or on duty as a military police officer, each experience sharpens me and challenges me to become the best version of myself.
A Different Path
While some kids are shooting hoops as soon as they can walk, I didn’t even consider playing basketball seriously until high school.
And even then, I wasn’t obsessed with the game at first.
It wasn’t until my senior year that I started thinking about playing in college—a time when most athletes have already committed to their future teams.
After high school, I attended Palomar College, a junior college in California — the first person in my family to step foot on a college campus.
I had no roadmap, no guide to follow.
My first year playing college basketball wasn’t what I’d hoped it would be, and eventually, I quit the team.
At that point, I thought my basketball career was over.
I threw myself into academics and tried to figure out what my next step would be.
That’s when an ad for the National Guard popped up on my screen.
The idea of joining the military struck a chord.
It wasn’t just the call to serve—it was the opportunity to do something completely different.
True to my nature, I took the leap.
I reached out to a recruiter, signed up, and have been part of the National Guard ever since.
A Balancing Act
Seven years later, the National Guard is still a cornerstone of my life.
As a military police officer, my job is to patrol bases, respond to emergencies, and keep people safe.
It’s a role I take seriously, one that’s taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
But something about basketball stayed with me.
Even after walking away, the game still had a hold on my heart.
A few years after joining the Guard, I decided to give basketball one last shot.
I went back to Palomar College in 2021 to try again, and then transferred to Fresno State for the 2023-2024 season before now joining Omaha.
It’s been a long and winding road, but I’ve finally found my place.
Life now is a balancing act between being a college athlete, a student, and a National Guard member.
On paper, it sounds overwhelming, but each part has taught me lessons that enhance the other parts.
The military taught me the importance of relying on others—a lesson I’ve carried onto the basketball court.
As a player, I’ve learned that success depends on trusting my teammates and coaches to work together toward a common goal.
That same principle applies in the Guard, where completing a mission requires everyone’s collective effort.
Academics, meanwhile, have reinforced the value of preparation and time management.
Balancing my responsibilities means staying ahead of deadlines and knowing when to ask for help.
My professors have been incredibly understanding, and their support has been invaluable.
Each role has made me better, stronger, and more determined.
A Bright Future
Looking back, I didn’t fully grasp how unique my path was.
As a kid, I was just doing what I loved, taking things one day at a time.
But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to see the beauty in my unconventional journey.
It hasn’t always been easy, but every step—every challenge—has shaped me into who I am today.
Now, I give myself more grace.
I remind myself that juggling the roles of student, athlete, and military police officer isn’t just a lot—it’s extraordinary.
And while it’s demanding, it’s also incredibly fulfilling.
I’m proud of the life I’ve built, one that’s driven by passion, resilience, and a willingness to take the road less traveled.
No matter where life leads me, I know I’ll always carry the lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built.
The people here in Omaha have become my family, and their support has been a constant source of strength.
As I look to the future, my goal remains the same: to be the best version of myself.
Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the Guard, I’ll keep striving to make an impact and embrace the opportunities that come my way.
After all, I’ve never been afraid to do things differently—and I’m not about to start now.
