I can remember the first time I was in the state of Oregon. It was a summer tournament near Portland, and I was 14. In between games, I had a moment outside this high school parking lot where time stood still, and I was absolutely enamored by Mount Hood. I suddenly noticed the trees, the blue sky, the cooler temperatures; it was a big deal to be out of that Phoenix heat! I had no idea where in the world I was, but it left an immediate impression on my heart.
Fast forward to taking my official visit at Oregon State when I was a senior in high school. It was my first visit, and I was determined to use my allotted five official visits. So I was not in a head space to make a commitment to OSU… But then I met the people. I felt that same feeling of awe from the first time I touched down in this state. This time, I was surrounded not by trees, but by a team of people I knew I needed to be with. I wanted to grow with them, work with them, and build with them. Instead of leaving campus and preparing for my next visit, I drove out of Corvallis with a bright orange shirt splashed with “BEAVER NATION” across the front. I felt joy. I felt pride. I felt belonging. I felt like I was home.
Four years of memories. Four years of blood, sweat, and tears. Four years of battling, growing, being challenged- every single day. My experience as a student athlete was everything and more I had hoped it would be. I graduated with a heart full of gratitude, all thanks to the village of amazing people who I was surrounded by all four years. I knew I would carry the lessons and the foundation Oregon State gave me into my professional career and beyond. I knew, even though I was leaving campus, I had a family for life. The bonds forged through the time spent immersed in this community would not end simply because of graduating; this was a forever thing.
This is a forever thing.
Even as I have been away- playing in different cities, living in different countries- I have never felt more at home than in Corvallis. Through prayer and conviction rooted in deep belief toward this university, it is a privilege to commit to Oregon State a second time- as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program. I love this university. I believe in this program. And there is no support better than Beaver Nation.
It is an honor to serve these young women and be part of their journeys as student athletes. I don’t take this opportunity lightly. We are in the business of positively impacting lives through a sport full of big emotions and high-performance expectations. The on-court development is partnered with the growth of these kids off the court, as they take on the countless life experiences college has to offer. I know, personally, how life altering the holistic adventure of a student athlete is. It brings me joy having the chance to walk alongside these young women as they create their own paths. I can’t wait to get to work with the current team and those who will be joining us in the future.
