What makes me a “YOU GOT IT GIRL” is the resilience I’ve built through my experiences both on and off the field. I’ve learned to show up for myself every single day, even when things get hard — and they’ve been really hard. I’ve paid for all my sports expenses out of pocket, I live on my own, and I’ve even come close to homelessness. But despite these challenges, I’ve never stopped chasing my dream of becoming a professional rugby player. I believe this scholarship can give me the support I need to keep going — not just financially, but as a reminder that people believe in what I’m building. I’ve been playing rugby for two years now, and it’s been the best experience of my life. The sport has given me strength, community, and a real sense of purpose. Competing in major tournaments like NAI 7s has pushed me to new levels and helped me grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Every time I step on the field, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Of course, the road hasn’t been easy. Supporting myself completely — while trying to be a student and athlete — has been exhausting at times. There have been moments where I wasn’t sure how I’d afford my next meal, let alone my next season. But I’ve learned how strong I really am. Instead of giving up, I’ve pushed forward and turned every setback into fuel. I’ve learned to be resourceful, disciplined, and deeply grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. One person I deeply admire is my friend’s mom. She is one of the most giving and selfless people I’ve ever known. No matter what life throws at her, she never quits. She’s always there for others, even when she has little herself. Her strength, compassion, and ability to lift people up inspire me to be a better person and to keep striving, no matter what. This scholarship would change everything for me. It would help cover the cost of training, gear, and travel, and allow me to focus more on my education and sport, rather than just surviving. Playing rugby in college is a huge step toward my goal of going pro, and the support from YGIG would mean that I could stay in school and keep competing at the highest level. For me, this is more than a scholarship — it’s a lifeline to my future.