What is your major?

One Year Biblical Studies, then onto Physical Education/Coaching

When did you start playing basketball?

I actually started playing in pre-school for a Y league.

What is your favorite sports team and/or player?

The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, along with the San Antonio Spurs. Favorite players, for football: Priest Holmes, Jamaal Charles, and Tony Gonzalez. For basketball: The entire Spurs roster, and Kevin Garnett. I grew up watching KG play for the Timberwolves a lot. For baseball, Lorenzo Cain.

Highlight of your sports career?

I had 3 buzzer beaters in one game in 7th grade (the one in the fourth quarter won the game), traveling with the teams I have been on, and a game winning assist in a high school game are a few highlights. All tournament player back-to-back at our home tournament for the Defenders was pretty cool. Also, all of the times I have gotten my friends together to play night ball at the park will be a great memory for me. Lastly, a game-winning block on the opponents last shot in intramural basketball, and also going undefeated during Kirkwood’s intramural basketball season.

What type of growth have you seen in yourself through your years of playing?

I have seen a lot of growth in my game, and also my personal life during my years of playing. I have become a pretty diverse player because growing up, I played point guard until around my freshman or sophomore year when I became more of a wing. When I played for the Defenders, I played a lot of post. I bulked up my Jr. and Sr. years in high school. I have worked a lot on my shot recently; I used to strictly drive and dish. I would say that I have perfected my craft overall. Growth personally, I have seen my faith become my own over the years, and have realized how important my faith is.

Name the individual who has impacted you the most in your playing career, and how they have influenced you.

I think it would be silly to not say that my parents and my brother have impacted me the most during my playing career. My parents, because they took all the time and effort to get me to all my practices, games, etc. Also, my brother and his friends and their team really peaked my interest in basketball. They played a lot of games and had a ton of practices, and I would end up having to watch.  My coach for the Defenders helped me grow as a person and also with my post game. My grandma has also influenced and supported me with buying some basketball shoes for me throughout the years. My friend Elijah has taken a lot of his time to practice with me which has helped me become a better player. Lastly, my friend Caleb has impacted me with lifting, and to be a better player.

Favorite passage of scripture and why?

Ephesians 2:8 ¨For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.¨

This is one of my favorite passages because it’s personal to me, it presents the good news, and it helps you realize that it is by grace and faith alone that we are saved.