I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. At the time, I didn’t see myself as different—I just saw myself as capable. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to understand how others perceived me, and how easily a physical difference can define someone in the eyes of the world. From that point on, I made a decision: I would define myself by my work ethic, my character, and my actions—not my disability. Throughout my early school years, I learned to adapt quietly. Teachers and classmates often offered help with everyday tasks. While I appreciated their kindness, I also felt a strong desire to prove my independence. I didn’t want to be singled out—I wanted to find my own way to succeed. That mindset became the foundation for everything I would later accomplish, especially in athletics. When I entered high school, I stepped into a new challenge: sports. I joined the football team and quickly learned that effort, discipline, and teamwork mattered more than physical limitations. Over four years, I competed in football and track and field, earning honors such as MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of the greatest honors of my life—not because of the recognition, but because it represented the respect I earned from my teammates through perseverance and leadership. Track and field became another defining part of my journey. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin pushed me to refine my technique and adapt in ways that worked for me. It has given me the opportunity to grow into an athlete who could compete at the next level. Signing with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team is not just an achievement—it is the continuation of a journey that started with a simple belief that I could do more. Despite these accomplishments, one of the most impactful moments in my life came from a simple comment. After a meet, a coach told me I was “inspiring.” While I appreciated the sentiment, it made me realize something important: I didn’t want to be seen only through the lens of my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my dedication, and my identity as an athlete. That realization has driven me to not only compete, but to change perceptions. My experiences have shaped my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access the same opportunities I was given. I want to be the person who helps a child realize that their limitations do not define them—that they can participate, compete, and succeed. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they have the power to transform lives. As a collegiate athlete and future healthcare professional, I hope to advocate for these programs, raise awareness, and expand access so that more children can experience the confidence and belonging that sports provide. Every athlete deserves to be seen not as an “inspiration,” but as a competitor. Winning the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship for overcoming adversity in athletics was an incredible honor, but it is not the end of my story—it is motivation to keep pushing forward. I will forever be grateful for the coach that saw me that way, as just one of his boys, and forever changed my life for the better.

I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. At the time, I didn’t see myself as different—I just saw myself as capable. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to understand how others perceived me, and how easily a physical difference can define someone in the eyes of the world. From that point on, I made a decision: I would define myself by my work ethic, my character, and my actions—not my disability. Throughout my early school years, I learned to adapt quietly. Teachers and classmates often offered help with everyday tasks. While I appreciated their kindness, I also felt a strong desire to prove my independence. I didn’t want to be singled out—I wanted to find my own way to succeed. That mindset became the foundation for everything I would later accomplish, especially in athletics. When I entered high school, I stepped into a new challenge: sports. I joined the football team and quickly learned that effort, discipline, and teamwork mattered more than physical limitations. Over four years, I competed in football and track and field, earning honors such as MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of the greatest honors of my life—not because of the recognition, but because it represented the respect I earned from my teammates through perseverance and leadership. Track and field became another defining part of my journey. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin pushed me to refine my technique and adapt in ways that worked for me. Along the way, I received the Coach’s Award and, more importantly, the opportunity to grow into an athlete who could compete at the next level. Signing with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team is not just an achievement—it is the continuation of a journey that started with a simple belief that I could do more. Despite these accomplishments, one of the most impactful moments in my life came from a simple comment. After a meet, a coach told me I was “inspiring.” While I appreciated the sentiment, it made me realize something important: I didn’t want to be seen only through the lens of my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my dedication, and my identity as an athlete. That realization has driven me to not only compete, but to change perceptions. My experiences have shaped my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access the same opportunities I was given. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have already seen how powerful movement, encouragement, and inclusion can be in a young person’s life. I want to be the person who helps a child realize that their limitations do not define them—that they can participate, compete, and succeed. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they have the power to transform lives. As a collegiate athlete and future healthcare professional, I hope to advocate for these programs, raise awareness, and expand access so that more children can experience the confidence and belonging that sports provide. Every athlete deserves to be seen not as an “inspiration,” but as a competitor. Winning the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship for overcoming adversity in athletics was an incredible honor, but it is not the end of my story—it is motivation to keep pushing forward. My journey has never been about proving others wrong; it has been about proving to myself that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. I was born different, but I was also born determined. And through every challenge, I have learned that true strength is not measured by what you are given, but by what you choose to do with what you are given. Living with one hand was all I have ever known. I want to be the person who doesn’t see the difference, but the kid in front of me. I will forever be grateful for the coach that saw me that way, as just one of his boys, and forever changed my life for the better.

I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. At the time, I didn’t see myself as different—I just saw myself as capable. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to understand how others perceived me, and how easily a physical difference can define someone in the eyes of the world. From that point on, I made a decision: I would define myself by my work ethic, my character, and my actions—not my disability. Throughout my early school years, I learned to adapt quietly. Teachers and classmates often offered help with everyday tasks. While I appreciated their kindness, I also felt a strong desire to prove my independence. I didn’t want to be singled out—I wanted to find my own way to succeed. That mindset became the foundation for everything I would later accomplish, especially in athletics. When I entered high school, I stepped into a new challenge: sports. I joined the football team and quickly learned that effort, discipline, and teamwork mattered more than physical limitations. Over four years, I competed in football and track and field, earning honors such as MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of the greatest honors of my life—not because of the recognition, but because it represented the respect I earned from my teammates through perseverance and leadership. Track and field became another defining part of my journey. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin pushed me to refine my technique and adapt in ways that worked for me. Along the way, I received the Coach’s Award and, more importantly, the opportunity to grow into an athlete who could compete at the next level. Signing with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team is not just an achievement—it is the continuation of a journey that started with a simple belief that I could do more. Despite these accomplishments, one of the most impactful moments in my life came from a simple comment. After a meet, a coach told me I was “inspiring.” While I appreciated the sentiment, it made me realize something important: I didn’t want to be seen only through the lens of my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my dedication, and my identity as an athlete. That realization has driven me to not only compete, but to change perceptions. My experiences have shaped my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access the same opportunities I was given. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have already seen how powerful movement, encouragement, and inclusion can be in a young person’s life. I want to be the person who helps a child realize that their limitations do not define them—that they can participate, compete, and succeed. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they have the power to transform lives. As a collegiate athlete and future healthcare professional, I hope to advocate for these programs, raise awareness, and expand access so that more children can experience the confidence and belonging that sports provide. Every athlete deserves to be seen not as an “inspiration,” but as a competitor. Winning the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship for overcoming adversity in athletics was an incredible honor, but it is not the end of my story—it is motivation to keep pushing forward. My journey has never been about proving others wrong; it has been about proving to myself that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. I was born different, but I was also born determined. And through every challenge, I have learned that true strength is not measured by what you are given, but by what you choose to do with what you are given. I think the one thing that people failed to see was what was “different” to them was normal for me. Living with one hand was all I have ever known. I feel like that understanding alone will help me make an impact working with disabilities advocacy and adapted athletics in the future. I want to be the person who doesn’t see the difference, but the kid in front of me. I will forever be grateful for the coach that saw me that way, as just one of his boys, and forever changed my life for the better.

I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. I didn’t see myself as different—I saw myself as capable. As I grew older, however, I realized the world often saw my disability first. That realization shaped a decision that has guided my life: I would not let my circumstances define me—my effort, character, and perseverance would. Throughout my childhood, I learned to adapt independently. While others offered help with everyday tasks, I was determined to find my own way. I didn’t want to be treated differently—I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome challenges through hard work. That mindset became the foundation for my success in athletics and academics. In high school, I competed in football and track and field for four years. I earned honors including MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of my proudest moments because it reflected the trust I earned from my teammates through consistency and leadership. Track and field pushed me even further. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin required me to adapt techniques to fit my abilities. Through that process, I developed resilience and confidence, ultimately earning the Coach’s Award and the opportunity to sign with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team. One moment that shaped my perspective occurred when a coach described me as “inspiring.” While I appreciated his words, I realized I didn’t want to be defined by my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my work ethic, and my identity as an athlete. That moment reinforced my desire to challenge how people view individuals with disabilities. My experiences have directly influenced my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access opportunities in sports. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have seen how powerful inclusion and encouragement can be. I want to help create environments where children are not limited by how others perceive them. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they provide life-changing opportunities. As a collegiate athlete and future professional, I want to advocate for these programs and expand access so more individuals can compete and grow. My journey has not been about overcoming a disability—it has been about redefining what is possible. I was born different, but I was also born determined. Through my experiences, I have learned that obstacles do not limit potential—mindset does. All of this was possible because of my Coach who believed that I could do everything that every other player could do. He never once made excuses or allowances for me because of my disability. To him, I was always just one of his boys and that was exactly what I needed. He will never understand the deep impact he had on my life and he says the same about me. I fully believe he has done more to mold me into the person I am today than my own father. I am just thankful that God orchestrated it all.

I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. I didn’t see myself as different—I saw myself as capable. As I grew older, however, I realized the world often saw my disability first. That realization shaped a decision that has guided my life: I would not let my circumstances define me—my effort, character, and perseverance would. Throughout my childhood, I learned to adapt independently. While others offered help with everyday tasks, I was determined to find my own way. I didn’t want to be treated differently—I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome challenges through hard work. That mindset became the foundation for my success in athletics and academics. In high school, I competed in football and track and field for four years. I earned honors including MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of my proudest moments because it reflected the trust I earned from my teammates through consistency and leadership. Track and field pushed me even further. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin required me to adapt techniques to fit my abilities. Through that process, I developed resilience and confidence, ultimately earning the Coach’s Award and the opportunity to sign with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team. One moment that shaped my perspective occurred when a coach described me as “inspiring.” While I appreciated his words, I realized I didn’t want to be defined by my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my work ethic, and my identity as an athlete. That moment reinforced my desire to challenge how people view individuals with disabilities. My experiences have directly influenced my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access opportunities in sports. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have seen how powerful inclusion and encouragement can be. I want to help create environments where children are not limited by how others perceive them. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they provide life-changing opportunities. As a collegiate athlete and future professional, I want to advocate for these programs and expand access so more individuals can compete and grow. My journey has not been about overcoming a disability—it has been about redefining what is possible. I was born different, but I was also born determined. Through my experiences, I have learned that obstacles do not limit potential—mindset does.

I was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. I didn’t see myself as different—I saw myself as capable. As I grew older, however, I realized the world often saw my disability first. That realization shaped a decision that has guided my life: I would not let my circumstances define me—my effort, character, and perseverance would. Throughout my childhood, I learned to adapt independently. While others offered help with everyday tasks, I was determined to find my own way. I didn’t want to be treated differently—I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome challenges through hard work. That mindset became the foundation for my success in athletics and academics. In high school, I competed in football and track and field for four years. I earned honors including MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of my proudest moments because it reflected the trust I earned from my teammates through consistency and leadership. Track and field pushed me even further. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin required me to adapt techniques to fit my abilities. Through that process, I developed resilience and confidence, ultimately earning the Coach’s Award and the opportunity to sign with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team. One moment that shaped my perspective occurred when a coach described me as “inspiring.” While I appreciated his words, I realized I didn’t want to be defined by my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my work ethic, and my identity as an athlete. That moment reinforced my desire to challenge how people view individuals with disabilities. My experiences have directly influenced my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access opportunities in sports. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have seen how powerful inclusion and encouragement can be. I want to help create environments where children are not limited by how others perceive them. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they provide life-changing opportunities. As a collegiate athlete and future professional, I want to advocate for these programs and expand access so more individuals can compete and grow. My journey has not been about overcoming a disability—it has been about redefining what is possible. I was born different, but I was also born determined. Through my experiences, I have learned that obstacles do not limit potential—mindset does.

was born like Nemo. That’s how I explained my arm to classmates when I was younger. Like Nemo’s smaller fin, my congenital limb difference was simply a part of me. I didn’t see myself as different—I saw myself as capable. As I grew older, however, I realized the world often saw my disability first. That realization shaped a decision that has guided my life: I would not let my circumstances define me—my effort, character, and perseverance would. Throughout my childhood, I learned to adapt independently. While others offered help with everyday tasks, I was determined to find my own way. I didn’t want to be treated differently—I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome challenges through hard work. That mindset became the foundation for my success in athletics and academics. In high school, I competed in football and track and field for four years. I earned honors including MVP Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Offensive Line Team Captain, First Team All-Region, and Second Team All-Area. Being named a Permanent Team Captain, with my jersey retired, was one of my proudest moments because it reflected the trust I earned from my teammates through consistency and leadership. Track and field pushed me even further. Competing in shot put, discus, and javelin required me to adapt techniques to fit my abilities. Through that process, I developed resilience and confidence, ultimately earning the Coach’s Award and the opportunity to sign with the University of Alabama Adapted Athletics Track and Field Team. One moment that shaped my perspective occurred when a coach described me as “inspiring.” While I appreciated his words, I realized I didn’t want to be defined by my disability. I wanted to be recognized for my performance, my work ethic, and my identity as an athlete. That moment reinforced my desire to challenge how people view individuals with disabilities. My experiences have directly influenced my future goals. I plan to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy, where I can help children with disabilities access opportunities in sports. Through over 80 hours of volunteer work with youth athletics and at DCH Hospital, I have seen how powerful inclusion and encouragement can be. I want to help create environments where children are not limited by how others perceive them. Adapted athletics programs are often underfunded and overlooked, yet they provide life-changing opportunities. As a collegiate athlete and future professional, I want to advocate for these programs and expand access so more individuals can compete and grow. My journey has not been about overcoming a disability—it has been about redefining what is possible. I was born different, but I was also born determined. Through my experiences, I have learned that obstacles do not limit potential—mindset does.