Which travel and high school softball teams did you play for?

• Travel ball team: Firecrackers 
• High school: Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, Calif.

How old were you when you started to play softball, and at what moment did you decide you wanted to play in college?
"I started to play softball when I was seven years old. I started by playing in our little league organization at a local park near my house. I met a lot of people throughout my career and now have life-long friends. I knew softball was getting competitive and important to me when I started playing travel ball at age 10. I had the desire to compete at the next level and was willing to put in the hard work and dedication. From high school practice to catching and hitting lessons to travel ball practice, my everyday goal was to get 1% better in order to make it to college ball where all my friends and family could watch me play the game that I love."

Do any of your family members or peers play a big role in your softball career?
"None of my family members played softball, but my dad played football for his first year of college at San Diego State and then baseball for the rest of his college career at UCSD. He pushed me to be better each day and has made me the player I am today. My mom also played a major role because without her, I wouldn't be where I am. She sacrificed everything, and so did dad, to make sure I was ready and always on time for games or practices. I love and couldn't thank both of my parents enough for everything they do and the amount of support they give."

Why did you decide to play college softball at Nevada? 
"I knew I wanted to play softball at Nevada because of the first softball camp I went to. The coaching staff, campus, and people were amazing. The first time I stepped onto campus it felt like home, and five years later I am still grateful for the opportunity the Nevada coaching staff provided gave me."

What was it like coming in and playing right away as a freshman?
"Coming in and being able to start the first game of the season as a freshman was a shock, but the best feeling in the world. When I stepped onto the field in Louisiana, I definitely had nerves and butterflies, but I was super excited because I knew my hard work throughout the years finally paid off when my name was on the starting lineup. There were ups and downs throughout my freshman year, but I wouldn't take any of it back because it has helped me develop into the player I am now. My teammates and coaches also played a big role that year. They helped us freshman every day and gave us advice on how to understand the game better because college is a lot different than travel ball. One of my favorite memories from freshman year is when we overcame a seven-run deficit heading into the seventh inning and beat Utah. It was honestly the best feeling in the world."

How did you train over the summer?
"This summer my training was different due to COVID-19. In the morning, I would run five miles and then do training with weights and bands I had at my house. After finishing weights, I did a throwing program my trainer and I set up together to help keep my arm strong. Then, I would walk to a local park and do hitting and catching drills there."

What did a typical day look like for you this fall when the team was practicing? 
"First, I woke up at 5 a.m. to get a lift in. Afterwards, I got ready for my internship with the Reno Police Department. After my internship, I would go to our afternoon practice. To end the day, I had a part-time job at a gym that I worked at until 8 p.m. I would finish the evening with homework."  

Being a fifth-year senior, what advice would you give to the current freshmen?
"The advice I would give is to not be afraid to make a mistake, ask for help from teammates if you are not understanding something in practice, and work your hardest every day for our coaching staff and your family because they are working their hardest for you."