Wayne State University Athletics

Why did you choose to attend Wayne State University (WSU)?
I choose Wayne State because of the opportunity to expand my horizons. Wayne State is such a multi-cultured school. Coming from Armada, Mich., I never had this opportunity. Going to a school in the heart of Detroit and being able to play a sport I loved with kids from all over the world as my teammates was really the selling point.

Why do you continue to volunteer/donate with WSU?
Wayne State gave me the opportunity to obtain two degrees, play a college sport, work with other donors as an athlete to see why they gave back, giveback to the city, and volunteer for various organizations. For a school that offered so much to me, the least I can do is try and help out others that were in the same spot as me.

What contribution or achievement are you most proud of your time at WSU?
Of my time at Wayne State, I would honestly have to say my biggest accomplishment was winning the Warrior Plate twice (maybe three times). I think this is the biggest accomplishment because it does not deal only with the success of the team in regard to the sport. This plate brings all aspects in, such as: success in the sport, community service, and team academics. Knowing that my entire team worked in all these categories is much bigger than just sports.

What are three words you would use to describe Wayne State Athletics?
Tough, Resilient, and Family

What is your best WSU memory?
My best memory at WSU is definitely when we went up to play Michigan Tech. I am originally from the Upper Peninsula and most of my family had never seen me play tennis. I have a cousin who suffered from Cerebral Palsy. He is one of my best friends. Due to his condition, he was not able to travel much so seeing him was difficult. However, he made the trip up to Michigan Tech from Marquette to watch me and the team play! Something I will never forget.

Who influenced you most during your time at WSU?
My time at WSU was most influenced by Bob Roberts from McShanes Irish Pub. They catered the WSU events so Bob and I worked together. Over time we became friends. Seeing all the hard work Bob put in for the athletic department was overwhelming. Growing closer to him, you really start to learn he is a man that is all about others. He influenced me to push and get my degree, compete in my sport, give back when I can, enjoy the little things, and never take anything for granted. Because of him, I learned many valuable lessons in my time within WSU athletics and in my career.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that WSU Athletics does?
The most important work WSU Athletics does is just opportunity. WSU offers kids from all over the world to come to a growing city, get a highly valued degree, play sports, and teaches us to give back. This does not include the smaller opportunities that come along with playing the sport like certified trainers helping us stay fit, job fairs, career and academic help, meeting with donors who helps us, or meeting with past Olympic athletes as mentors. Opportunity in WSU Athletics is truly like no other school.

What is your favorite WSU Event?
I loved #lunchbag. Having all the athletes in the gym bright and early forming an assembly line to pack lunch bags for the less fortunate around Detroit really brought everyone together. Then walking around in a giant group to deliver them and seeing the gratitude we got when delivering them made it all worth it.

What advice do have for current student-athletes who want to make the most out or their experience at WSU?
Embrace the grind. The long days, long practices, tough workouts, losses, and lack of sleep may seem like it sucks in the moment. Looking back, it was some of the best times of my life. So really live in the moment because once you are done, you will for sure miss it.

How did your education at WSU prepare you for what you are doing today?
My education at WSU prepared me for what I am doing today by getting me the necessary information within my classes to know what is going on in the real world. I was taught critical and analytical skills to problem solving. I was also taught to never settle and go above and beyond to succeed.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
I won a national award in my work force for being the best Junior Foreign Military Sales Financial Analyst. This award put me up against every Air Force Base in the country (and some overseas). I won this award in my first 1.5 years of working within the Air Force.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I transitioned from my work in the Air Force to Colorado to help start up the United States Space Force. So yes, for everyone wondering, it is a real thing!
 
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is tough… Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus. Maybe with some cheesecake at the end. 
 
What is your greatest fear?
Letting people down. I was always taught that anything worth doing is worth overdoing. So, I always try to go above and beyond to not let people down. On another level… Needles. I hate needles.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Australia. The country is so beautiful, the people are so kind, and the weather was amazing.
 
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Play the piano. Growing up I played a lot of different sports. I was never musically inclined. I feel playing the piano would be pretty cool.
 
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Hire a lawyer! Then I would help my family out as much as I can, and then invest the rest!

What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
I recently moved to Colorado. So, I definitely have to say outdoor is hiking! There are so many trails and mountains to see. Indoor would have to be just playing sports. Whether it is indoor tennis or basketball, I just love competing.

What kind of music is on your phone?
Most of the music on my phone is country music. I do have some rap and some folk music as well though.
 
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Tiger Woods. Many do not like him because of his past. I would love to meet him to talk about all his struggles coming up to his success level and how he overcame everything to maintain his level of competitiveness.