Scoreboard

WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR AND GRAD YEAR?
Radio and TV, 2025

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME HYPE SONG?
I enjoy the beat of rap music as well as the lyrics because they motivate me to get excited to perform well. I’m also inspired because the music we listen to as a team before meets, such as “Crossfaded” by Don Tolliver, serves to inspire and unify us.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A USI STUDENT-ATHLETE?
The first aspect of being part of something bigger than myself is being part of a team. In my life I will be part of many teams: family, work, friendships, etc. Collaboration and trust between teammates help everyone grow, mature and excel.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR IN YOUR USI ATHLETIC CAREER?
Winning the Indiana Cross Country State Championships in my senior year of high school helped me understand the opportunity before me as a runner and as a student-athlete. I’ve learned every experience in life presents a challenge that I now welcome because I’ve discovered that hard work, persistence and determination propel me to achieve my best in every endeavor of life.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION YOU GET ABOUT BEING A STUDENT-ATHLETE?
That student-athletes have no time for a social life. Although student-athletes do not have the typical social experience of most college students, we become a family of sorts with our teammates. We develop relationships that will last a lifetime.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS?
Balancing academics, athletics and work is a challenge I’m grateful to have because it prepares me for a life that will require such skills in different arenas. By learning to manage my time well, I’ve been able to better complete all the tasks before me. For example, I have become dedicated to running early in the morning because it enables me to accomplish one of my goals and gives me motivation for others. I think I will always have to be motivated and creative in balancing aspects of my life, and I see this stage of life as an important training for the future.

AS A MEMBER OF USI PRODUCTION STAFF FOR ESPN+, WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
My role is multi-faceted, but I enjoy operating the camera at the USI sport games the most. I’ve also enjoyed learning to work the tricaster and hope to learn more about any camera they assign me to operate. Working for ESPN has inspired me to learn as much as I can in hopes of integrating these skills into my future career.

WHAT IS THE TRAINING PROCESS LIKE FOR CROSS COUNTRY?
Each member of the cross country and track team has certain mileage goals they must meet each week and are monitored by our coaches. We do various workouts that are assigned to members of the team according to the team’s needs. Our workouts vary depending on whether we are in school or on break. They target the skills the coach thinks we need to improve, which changes throughout the season. This is all in an effort to address our weaknesses and improve our strengths as a team.

WHAT’S YOUR INNER THOUGHT PROCESS WHEN RUNNING?
I really try to zone out and "zen" during runs. It's a beautiful feeling when you're locked in and focused during a run.

HOW HAS USI GOING DⅠ IMPACTED YOU AS A STUDENT ATHLETE?
USI’s entrance into NCAA Division I is an occasion for pride since it is the highest level of competition. Personally, I am as motivated for Division I as I was previously for Division II, and I am glad that USI is able to compete at the highest level. Unfortunately for me and my teammates, we will not be able to compete in NCAA championship events due to the 4-year waiting period. Despite this restriction, I am grateful for being able to compete at the Division I level.