Why did you choose your college, and what did you like most about being a student-athlete there?

"I always wanted to live in California with lots of sunshine. California State Northridge was on the top of my list. I also wanted to prove to myself I could compete as an amputee in Division I. The coaches were very welcoming and made me feel like I was at home. What I liked most about being a student-athlete was the relationships I built with my team, I felt like we were a family going to war!"

How did competing collegiately help prepare you for competing on Team USA?

"Competing collegiately helped me prepare mentally for the amount of responsibility and accountability it takes to compete for Team USA. Being a student-athlete teaches you the skills of time management and mental toughness which are two things imperative to competing in the Paralympic Games. "

How did (or will) going to college prepare you for life?

"I learned many life lessons in college. Firstly, you have to have heart to compete at the highest level. Without heart, you will not sustain the amount of work, long hours and grind that it takes to be successful on and off the court. Secondly, you can go farther with a team than you can go alone. Being a team sport athlete forces you to work with all personality types, just like in the real world. Keeping a positive mindset and believing in the good in others is important to help lead everyone to success on a team. "