WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE JUDO MEMORY?
This is probably cliché but my favorite judo memory is winning the junior world trials this year. The year before I got 3rd and I was so frustrated with myself, and I just had so many questions in my life going forward. Then last July, I suffered a very difficult injury that took me out for 6 months. The time gave me the insight I needed to answer my questions of “why”. I had to get better at my judo while also having to make up for the time I lost to injury. The fact that I overcame the odds and was better than the year before. It proved to me that my injury didn’t hold me back but I made it make me better.

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO OR WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
I’d have to say that I look up to my coach-Jim Hrbek-because he’s so knowledgeable and I wouldn’t be here without him. I also learned so much from all the female athletes that have taken the time to talk to me and help me grow as a judoka and individual.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT JUDO HAS HAD ON YOUR LIFE?
Judo has allowed me to see different cultures across the world at such a young age, which has helped shaped who I am today. Judo also given me a goal/dream to strive towards from a very young age. Judo makes me be the best me I can be in all aspects of my life.