What are your personal goals for the year?

I’d like to end my final semester of my sophomore year with all A’s. I earned A’s and B’s during the first semester but feel I can do even better. I take being a student-athlete very seriously. I was proud to have improved my grades this year while also pushing myself harder than I ever have in sports.

What is your favorite athletic memory?

Going to State last year. It was the first time since 1988 that Southeast had gone to State. Although we didn’t earn the State title, we went back home knowing that we made history.

What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Ma’khiyah Jones shows a lot of resilience. She’s tough on the court and can take constructive criticism during a game. She doesn’t get in her head when she makes mistakes and keeps pushing forward.

What is your favorite part of being on this team?

I love the bond that we have created. We can have tough practices but end it with jokes and laughs. I think that’s why we can take feedback from one another because the relationship is there.

 Do you participate in any community service projects?

I lead the EmpowHERment project which I created in 2021. I founded this initiative to help other young girls like myself see their self-worth and to give them the tools to overcome cyberbullying. It’s something that many girls my age have dealt with. I spend a lot of hours creating presentations and talking to girls to empower them. Just last year, this community service project of mine earned two proclamations that recognized my work—one from the City of Wichita and the other from the State of Kansas.

 What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

 I’m involved with Her Voyage which promotes inclusion. We also discuss some of the challenges young women experience. It’s an open space that I enjoy being a part of. I’m also a part of Rise Up for Youth’s Sisterhood program. We have great conversations that help us with connections, goal setting and exploring college options. I look forward to my Sisterhood group because I feel we relate well and we can learn from each other.

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What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life? 

I’ve learned how important communication is. Our team works better when we talk to each other about our game plan and our strengths. That helps us put the right person in the right place. This is something that I use every day. Sometimes you get frustrated when communication issues happen. Sports has taught me how to work through it.

What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

My mom taught me to be my authentic self. Whether it’s me in sports or competing in pageants, she always says, “Be who you are. Don’t try to be like anyone else.”

Who inspires you and why? 

My mom inspires me to go beyond my comfort zone. She challenges me to do what doesn’t always come easy. I see her do that as a business owner and in her daily life so she’s leading by example.

Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish. 

I want to shout out Coach Donald Dixon. He pushes me to do things I might not believe I can do but things he feels like I could do. He’s patient with me and takes the time to give me advice that is going to improve me as a player and as an individual.