The game of baseball has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I've been playing since I was six years old, and by the time I was fifteen or sixteen, I had already begun coaching younger athletes. Through the game, I've learned lessons that reach far beyond the baseball field, lessons about leadership, perseverance, humility, and serving others. Those experiences, combined with the support of my family and my faith in Jesus Christ, have shaped the person I am today. I was raised in a loving Christian and Catholic household alongside my two wonderful sisters. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue my goals while reminding me to keep my faith at the center of everything I do. They taught me that success is not measured only by achievements but by the way we treat others and the integrity we demonstrate each day. Their love and guidance have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams while remaining grounded in my values. My faith has grown tremendously over the past two years. Like every person, I stumble and fall, but I have learned that God's grace is greater than my failures. During practices, games, and tournaments, I often write a few small symbols in the dirt representing the phrase, "God Is Greater Than the Highs and the Lows." It serves as a reminder that whether I experience success or disappointment, God remains faithful. Romans 8:38–39 has become one of the passages that strengthens my faith the most because it reminds me that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I strive to carry that perspective with me in every aspect of my life and to be the best representation of Christ that I can be. One of the greatest challenges I have faced was a back injury that kept me away from the game I love for over a year. At first, it was difficult to accept, but that season of my life ultimately became one of the greatest periods of personal growth. Instead of allowing the setback to define me, I leaned on my faith, continued coaching, and found new ways to stay involved with baseball. That experience taught me resilience and reminded me that my identity is rooted in Christ, not in my ability to play a sport. My passion for baseball inspired me to earn my Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Exercise Science, and I will continue my education at Grand Canyon University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Entertainment Management. My goal is to build a career that allows me to continue serving athletes, growing the game I love, and mentoring young people the same way my coaches and family have invested in me. Whether I am on the field, in the classroom, or in my future career, I want to make a positive impact on those around me. Baseball has given me purpose, my family has given me unwavering support, and my faith has given me hope. Together, they have instilled in me the ambition, drive, and determination to pursue excellence while serving others with humility and love.

Baseball has been a part of my life since I was six years old. What started as a game quickly became the foundation for who I am today. Over the years, baseball has given me much more than memories on the field. Baseball has taught me patience, responsibility, leadership, perseverance, self-control, and the importance of serving others. These lessons have shaped my character, influenced my educational goals, and inspired the path I hope to follow throughout my life. I have been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors along the way. My dad was my very first coach and role model, teaching me not only the fundamentals of baseball but also the value of hard work, humility, and respect. Later, my favorite high school coach during my sophomore year reinforced those lessons by believing in my potential and encouraging me to become a leader, both on and off the field. Their guidance showed me that great coaches do much more than develop athletes, they build confidence, character, and lifelong values. One of the most difficult moments in my baseball journey came when I suffered a back injury that kept me off the field for nearly a year. Being unable to play was frustrating, but it also taught me resilience. I realized that my passion for baseball was never defined solely by playing the game. Even when I couldn't compete, I found ways to stay involved, support my teammates, and continue learning. That experience strengthened my appreciation for the sport and reminded me that perseverance often means finding new ways to contribute when circumstances change. My love for baseball eventually inspired me to begin coaching when I was around fifteen or sixteen years old. Coaching has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Today, I have the privilege of coaching at the Gilbert Classical Academy Varsity Spartans where I have built an incredible community of players, coaches, families, and supporters. Watching young athletes grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and develop into leaders reminds me of the impact my own mentors had on me. It has reinforced my belief that success is measured not only by wins and losses but by the positive influence we leave on others. Because of the opportunities baseball has given me, I earned my Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Exercise Science and am continuing my education at Grand Canyon University to pursue a bachelor's degree in Sports and Entertainment Management. My goal is to build a career that allows me to remain connected to athletics while mentoring the next generation of athletes. Whether I am playing, coaching, managing sports programs, or creating opportunities for young players, I want to help others discover the same confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging that baseball has given me. The Brett Brakel Memorial Scholarship represents values that deeply resonate with my own journey: mentorship, perseverance, and community. Baseball has shaped the person I am today, and I hope to honor those values by investing in others just as my coaches, my father, and my community invested in me. My greatest achievement will not be measured by statistics or championships, but by the lasting impact I have on the lives of the young athletes I have the privilege to serve.

I've always been passionate about baseball and softball, and this love for the game has been a constant in my life. Growing up, playing these sports wasn’t just a way to pass time, it was how I represented myself, my family, and even God. That sense of representation is something really special, especially when you realize that every time you step onto the field, you’re not just playing for yourself. You’re a part of something bigger. Coaching has become just as important to me as playing. When I coach, it’s not just about teaching skills, it’s about sharing that passion and instilling values in the younger generation. It's incredible to see the spark in a young athlete’s eyes when they finally grasp a concept or make significant progress. I remember one particular player who started as a complete newbie and rookie to softball. She joined my family’s little league team, and after just one season, she became absolutely obsessed with the sport! Her family still keeps in touch, sharing updates about her progress which warms my heart. Knowing that I played a part in her journey inspires me to keep coaching and mentoring. Seeing young athletes grow not just in skill but in character is a rewarding experience. It’s a cycle of passion and growth that I hope to perpetuate. Each day, I wake up excited because I get to do something I truly love. That love is infectious, and I aim to spread it not just through wins on the scoreboard but in the smiles and confidence of the kids I coach. I believe that in sports, just as in life, the focus should be on perseverance, teamwork, and respect. By embodying those values, I hope to make a difference in the sports community, advocating for mentorship and inclusivity. My goal is to create an environment where every athlete feels valued and encouraged to pursue their dreams, regardless of their starting point. I want to be a source of inspiration, like the coaches who motivated me when I was younger. Ultimately, my career in sports is not just about personal success but about uplifting others, creating a legacy of passion, and bridging the gap between generations through the love of the game. Whether I’m on the field coaching or cheering from the stands, I want to be a positive influence, reminding everyone that sports can change lives, build character, and foster lifelong friendships. There’s something magical about being part of a team, and I hope to share that magic with as many young athletes as I can.

This opportunity is deeply meaningful to me because it represents not only forward progress in my life, but a testimony to how God has met me in my lowest moments and carried me through what I could never survive on my own. The year 2025 has been one of the most difficult, rewarding, and transformative seasons of my life. I began the year fueled by my passion for baseball, determined to chase a dream I had carried for years. I worked with a pitching coach to increase velocity and develop new pitches, played in a men’s baseball league, set a senior league record for strikeouts in a game, and even earned a tryout with a community college. This was an opportunity I never imagined would be possible. On the surface, everything was going perfectly, yet deep down something felt fragile. Although I had been a Christian my entire life, by high school and especially throughout 2024 I had drifted far from God. I was disconnected from Scripture, rarely prayed, struggled with lust, and allowed unhealthy habits to become normal, never stopping to acknowledge how far I had fallen from my foundation in Christ. Eventually, the collapse came. By the end of the 2024 season, I developed severe back and leg pain, received no response from the college, and spiraled further into destructive behavior. The pain worsened to the point where I could no longer pitch, work out, or even stretch without agony. After 18 weeks of physical therapy, I tried to return, but the weakness and defeat only intensified. In the spring of 2025, while attempting to recover through a functional fitness class, my back and knee gave out completely. I fell to the ground in unbearable pain, unable to stand or walk, and had to be carried to my Nana’s car. I believed an epidural injection scheduled for the next day would bring relief, but instead it marked the lowest point of my life. The pain grew more intense and inescapable, leaving me unable to move, sleep, or find comfort in any position. That season was marked by despair, humiliation, and suicidal thoughts. However it was also where Jesus met me when He was the only One left to call on. Eventually, I was diagnosed with two severely herniated discs and scheduled for major back surgery at just 21 years old. I felt useless and broken, yet it was in that weakness that I finally surrendered and allowed God to carry me day by day. During months of recovery, bed rest, and physical therapy, my relationship with God was rebuilt piece by piece. Nights became sacred moments of prayer and tears, mornings were battles fought through the strength of the Holy Spirit, and every small improvement became evidence of God’s faithfulness. I fought to get out of bed, to walk again, and to live fully for Him. Nearly a year after surgery, I stand almost completely restored and not just physically, but spiritually. My faith, determination, ambition, and joy are stronger than ever. This opportunity matters because it aligns with the life God is shaping in me, and moving forward, my faith will remain my foundation, my compass, and my strength as I pursue greater heights with humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in His plan.

Growing up, I have been surrounded by a strong military presence in my family, with many relatives past and present who have served or are currently serving, but three individuals in particular have shaped my understanding of what service, sacrifice, and family truly mean: my uncle Phil, my cousin and Godfather Scott, and my cousin Chase. Each of them taught me that even when duty pulls you far from home, family can and should remain a priority. My uncle Phil, who recently passed away, was one of the most grounding and peaceful forces in our family. He was someone everyone loved dearly, not because he demanded attention, but because he offered consistency, kindness, and stability. One of my favorite memories of him is simple yet meaningful. He gave me my favorite lifelong family nickname, “J-Man,” a small gesture that always made me feel seen and valued. Uncle Phil was deeply committed to providing for his family, both during his time in service and long after he retired. What stood out most to me was that even after leaving the military, he carried its sense of responsibility into family life. He made it a point to gather his entire immediate family, kids, spouses, and grand kids for monthly family dinners or Sunday morning brunches. Those dinners and brunches weren’t just meals, they were proof that no matter how busy life became, making time for one another mattered. My cousin and Godfather Scott represents a different but equally powerful lesson. He is strong, protective, disciplined, and respectful, and he has always pushed himself to become better, healthier, and stronger. From him, I learned how to be a fighter, not just physically, but mentally. Scott taught me that resilience starts in the mind, that discipline builds confidence, and that strength isn’t about aggression, but about control and perseverance. He embodies ambition in a way that motivates everyone around him, and his example showed me that self-improvement is a lifelong commitment. Then there is my cousin Chase, who has served in the Air Force for almost a decade. Even while stationed overseas in Japan, he has shown me what it means to truly show up for family. Chase met his wife in Japan, started a life there, and is now a devoted father to their daughter. Despite the distance and demands of military life, he makes a constant effort to stay connected by checking in regularly, calling from across the world, and staying involved in all of our lives. His dedication proves that being present isn’t always about physical proximity, but about intentional effort. Together, Uncle Phil, Scott, and Chase represent the heart of my military family centered in God, service balanced with love, discipline paired with compassion, and distance overcome by commitment. Through them, I learned that while service may take you away, family is what always brings you home.

My answer for both of these are actually interconnected. For the past two years my life has essentially been put on hold. Early this year I had surgery on my lower back for two herniated discs that were pressing on my femoral nerve causing agonizing pain in my back, hips, and right leg. If I had not had the surgery done, there was potential for me to be paralyzed in my right leg from the waist down. I had struggled with this problem for years before but it never resulted in surgery until recently. Before the surgery ever occurred I would regularly get electrical shocks down my back, hips and leg. I never truly knew what would set off the pain, but it took everything away from me. I couldn't do anything even remotely active so my passion and love of baseball was taken away when I couldn't play or coach. I wasn't allowed to lift anything above 5-10 pounds, plus I couldn't walk around for very long without support from a walker or a cane. Because of these restrictions, going back to work was out of the question for now. On top of all that, I couldn't sit or stand long enough to be in a classroom so I had to drop out of school for the rest of the semester. At first I was recommended an Epidural Injection, but the shot only brought about the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. For an entire week I was bed ridden. I couldn't move without significant pain, I could barely eat or drink, when my family tried to make me feel better it hurt to laugh and talk sometimes, and I never slept for more than a half hour. I even had high dosages of some very strong pain killers that gave me no relief. After a week of misery we were able to meet with the doctor again and they told us that because of my reaction to the injection, surgery was the best option for me. Personally, it was bitter sweet news for me. I was excited that this decision would be quicker, but I was also scared. The only other time I’ve had surgery this intense and invasive was at birth when I had precancerous cells in my neck. It took several hours and when it was over I was very disoriented and helpless. Luckily the surgery went well, but for the rest of this year my active lifestyle has been downgraded to a blissful walk. The only thing that has kept me motivated, strong, and resilient is my mother. My mom has been by my side through the entire process. She was with me at every doctor's appointment, she carried me from the hospital into the car and on my bed. She stayed up with me almost every night while I was in pain, she cried with me, laughed with me and prayed with me. Because of my mom I’m going into the new year strong and courageous, and never willing to give up. Even in my darkest days where I felt useless and like I had nothing to live for, my mom was right beside me to encourage me and love me.

Originally, I was on an ambitious path toward a career in aviation. I was aspiring to become a corporate pilot with my private pilot's license already in hand at the age of 17. However, the staggering costs associated with flight school prompted me to reconsider my direction. Compounding this decision was the unfortunate reality that the environment was draining my passion for flying; the administrators seemed more focused on the financial aspects rather than my growth, while the instructors were preoccupied with accumulating their own flight hours and neglecting my development. This disheartening experience led me to explore a degree in Fire Science, a field my father had once intended to pursue. Yet, as I delved deeper, I became acutely aware of the inherent dangers of that career and the extensive time it would demand away from my family and the family I hope to build. Ultimately I determined it was not the right fit for me. So, I redirected my focus towards Exercise Science, which I discovered at Mesa Community College. This program resonated with my aspirations and reignited my enthusiasm for learning, offering a more affordable path to higher education. The quality of education I am receiving at MCC has been tremendous, especially given my family's medical challenges, including my father's recent open-heart surgery and both his, and my own, back surgeries. These experiences have exceedingly underscored the importance of health and well-being, motivating me to pursue a career that can positively impact others’ lives. My father's surgeries were particularly frightening, as he faced severe health risks in both his heart and back. He was as close as you can get to having a heart attack because of his 99% blockage of his main artery, and he was on the verge of paralysis in his legs due to a cyst directly on his spinal cord. Fortunately, both of us are now on the road to recovery, which fuels my passion for Exercise Science. With the knowledge and skills I acquire at MCC, I aim to either complete my Bachelor's degree at a university or launch straight into the workforce, determined to make a meaningful contribution to the field of health and fitness. Ultimately, my life's challenges have shaped my educational journey and clarified my goals, guiding me toward a future filled with purpose.