My experiences with a physical disability have significantly shaped my identity, my outlook on life, and my goals for the future. Facing knee disfigurments has been physically and emotionally challenging, but it has also given me resilience, gratitude, and purpose. Rather than limiting my potential, these experiences have pushed me to grow stronger and helped me develop a clear vision for how I want to use my education and future career to help others. They have also created financial strain for my family due to medical bills, treatment costs, and ongoing care, making scholarships an important factor in continuing my education. Before my injuries, I saw myself primarily as an athlete. I was used to competing, training, and constantly pushing myself to improve. However, after multiple knee dislocations and surgeries, everything changed. Simple movements became difficult, and I had to step away from the sport I loved for long periods of time. This shift was not only physically painful but emotionally difficult as well, as I had to redefine how I saw myself outside of athletics. During recovery, I learned patience and mental strength in a way I had never experienced before. Progress was slow, and there were moments of frustration when I felt like I was not improving quickly enough. Over time, I realized that healing is not only physical but mental as well. I had to learn how to stay motivated, trust the process, and focus on long-term recovery instead of short-term setbacks. This experience taught me resilience, discipline, and determination—qualities that continue to help me in school and life. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey was the support I received from others. My coaches, teammates, family, and medical professionals played a major role in my recovery. They encouraged me during difficult moments and reminded me that my value was not defined by my ability to play sports. Their support helped me understand the importance of community and how powerful it is when people invest in one another. At the same time, the financial burden of surgeries, physical therapy, and medical care placed stress on my family, which made me even more aware of how important financial support can be for students facing medical challenges. Because of my experiences, I developed a strong interest in health sciences. I became inspired by the physical therapists who helped guide me through recovery. I saw firsthand how their knowledge, encouragement, and care helped me regain strength and confidence. This has influenced my goal to pursue a career where I can help others overcome physical challenges and return to doing what they love. Whether I become a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or work in another healthcare field, I want to support people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In addition to my career goals, my disability has influenced how I approach school, leadership, and responsibility. I have learned to value hard work, stay committed during challenges, and support others facing their own struggles. I also work at a softball training facility, where I mentor younger athletes and encourage those dealing with injury or self-doubt. These experiences allow me to turn my challenges into something positive by helping others grow in confidence and ability. Overall, my physical disability has shaped me into a more resilient, compassionate, and determined individual. While it has brought challenges, including financial strain, it has also given me direction and purpose. I now see my experiences not as limitations, but as motivation to succeed in school, pursue a career in health sciences, and help others overcome obstacles in their own lives.

Growing up, I’ve always been told I have a quiet confidence—but to me, being a “You Got It Girl” means something deeper than just confidence. It means showing up every day, even when it’s hard, and trusting that your work will pay off. It means pushing through pressure, learning from failure, and believing in yourself when no one is watching. My journey as a softball player has shaped that mindset, and it’s the reason I believe I embody what YGIG stands for. I have been playing softball for most of my life, and the sport has become a huge part of who I am. Over the years, I’ve competed at a high level, earning the opportunity to continue my career as a Division I athlete at the University of Dayton. That opportunity didn’t come easily—it came from years of early mornings, long practices, and constant dedication to improving my game. Along the way, I’ve earned recognition for my performance, including being named First Team All-State in Colorado softball, but more importantly, I’ve learned how to lead, how to stay disciplined, and how to compete with resilience. Softball has taught me how to handle both success and failure with the same mindset: keep working. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced came during a time when things weren’t going the way I had planned. Whether it was a tough stretch in my performance or moments of doubt about my future in the sport, I had to confront the reality that talent alone isn’t enough. Instead of letting that setback define me, I used it as motivation. I spent extra time training, focused on my mental game, and reminded myself why I started playing in the first place. That experience pushed me to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person. I learned how to stay mentally strong, how to adapt, and how to turn obstacles into opportunities. Someone I deeply admire is my dad. He has always been my biggest supporter, showing up to games, encouraging me through challenges, and reminding me to stay grounded. What inspires me most about him is his strength and selflessness. He has taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and believing in myself, even during difficult moments. His example has shaped the way I approach both athletics and life, and I carry those lessons with me every day. Coming from a family where money was always a bit tight, I have learned early on the value of hard work, sacrifice, and making the most of every opportunity. There were times when resources were limited, but those moments never discouraged me—they fueled me. They taught me to appreciate everything I have, to outwork others when things aren’t equal, and to never take opportunities like this for granted. That background is a big part of what drives me every day, both on and off the field. Being a student-athlete at the Division I level comes with significant demands, both academically and athletically. This scholarship would help support my journey by easing some of the financial pressures that come with competing at this level—whether that’s training expenses, travel, equipment, or school-related costs. More importantly, it would allow me to stay focused on becoming the best version of myself, both on the field and in the classroom. As I prepare to compete at the University of Dayton, I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I will be playing Division I softball as part of their program, continuing to grow as both an athlete and a student. Being a student-athlete means representing something bigger than yourself—it means holding yourself to a higher standard, balancing responsibilities, and striving for excellence in everything you do. It’s a challenge I am ready to take on. If there’s one thing I want you to know about me, it’s that I’m just getting started. I’m driven, determined, and willing to put in the work to achieve my goals. Being a “You Got It Girl” isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about believing that, no matter what challenges come your way, you have what it takes to overcome them. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Growing up, my family life and Catholic faith have been two of the strongest influences shaping my decision to pursue a college education. Together, they have instilled in me a sense of purpose, discipline, and belief in something greater than myself, all of which continue to motivate me as I work toward my future goals—both academically and athletically. My family has always emphasized the value of education, not just as a pathway to a career, but as a means of personal growth and opportunity. From a young age, I was encouraged to ask questions, work hard, and never settle for less than my best. My parents often shared stories about the sacrifices they made to provide me with opportunities they didn’t always have. Seeing their dedication inspired me to take my education seriously and to recognize that attending college is not just a personal achievement, but also a way to honor their efforts. My dad, in particular, has played a huge role in encouraging me to pursue my dream of playing college softball. He has spent countless hours practicing with me, driving me to games and tournaments, and reminding me to stay focused even when things get tough. Whether it was early morning workouts or long weekends on the road, he has always been there, supporting me every step of the way. His belief in my ability has pushed me to work harder and to see college not only as an academic goal, but also as an opportunity to continue the sport I love at a higher level. In addition, my family has been a constant source of support. Whether it was helping me with schoolwork, attending my games, or encouraging me during difficult times, they have always believed in my potential. That belief has pushed me to believe in myself, even when I faced challenges. Knowing that my success reflects not only my own efforts but also the love and support of my family motivates me to pursue higher education with determination. My Catholic faith has also played a significant role in guiding me toward college. Through my faith, I have learned the importance of perseverance, humility, and service to others. Attending Mass, participating in church activities, and living out the values of compassion and integrity have helped shape who I am today. My faith reminds me that God has a plan for my life, and that I am called to use my talents to make a positive impact on others. There have been times when balancing school, softball, and other responsibilities felt overwhelming, but my faith has helped me stay grounded. Prayer has given me strength during stressful moments and confidence when I doubted myself. It has taught me to trust the process and to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. Together, my family life and Catholic faith have given me both the motivation and the foundation to pursue college. They have taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and staying true to my values. As I continue my educational and athletic journey, I carry these lessons with me, knowing they will guide me not only through college, but throughout my life.