Q: Do you have a favorite memory on the court in your time with Wheaton women’s basketball?

A: My favorite team to beat in the conference is Illinois Wesleyan just because of the rivalry we have had with them for the conference title every year. One of my favorite wins against them was my junior year during regular season when Devin Kyler swished a three-pointer with just a few seconds left to win the game on their home court. We all went crazy! 

Q: What is a favorite memory or memories you have with your teammates?

A: Some of my favorite memories include jumping off the high dive my freshmen year after winning the conference tournament championship, bus rides like when we broke down on the highway to Millikin, and dinners at saga after every practice. 

Q: You had some challenges to get to the point in the past couple of years where you were on the court on a regular basis. Can you explain and describe your experience overcoming two ACL surgeries to get to that point. 

A: During my junior year of high school I tore my left ACL while practicing in the middle of my basketball season. This was the first major injury I had ever had and the recovery was long and hard. It took me about 8 months before I could be cleared to play during my senior year, but I knew I wanted to play basketball in college so that’s what I was working towards when gaining back my strength and full range of motion. My senior year was fun and I finally got to a point in the season when I felt like I was playing the way I had before my injury.  Unfortunately, after 3 minutes into an all-star game, I tore my other ACL the summer before entering college at Wheaton. It was very challenging knowing exactly the road to recovery I had ahead of me, trying to balance new classes and making friends, and sitting on the sidelines all during my freshmen year of college. However, I feel like my second ACL tear only made me better as a basketball player. After two season-ending injuries, I never gave up on my goal to be on the court of a collegiate basketball game. My passion for basketball grew tremendously during this time and despite all of the difficulties I have faced while playing, God has been with me every step of the way. Throughout my basketball career, the most important lessons I have learned are to rely on God in all circumstances and that his plan is way better than what I could imagine. Because of this, I wouldn’t change the process I went through to play basketball in college for anything. 

Q: You have had the opportunity to play for your dad for your collegiate career. What has that experience been like for you? Has that at all been a challenge for you?

A: Playing basketball for my dad will always be one of the best experiences of my life. Very few people can say that they got to do this at the collegiate level, so I am really thankful to have had this opportunity. I think there are challenges that really only people who have played for a parent at this level would understand. However, when I look back at my time playing for my dad, I don’t think about the challenges I faced, I just think about all of the great memories we have been able to share together. 

Q: What has your favorite class has been?

A: My favorite class at Wheaton was Dr. Root’s Foundations of Ministry class. He is the best storyteller and always asks the most thought-provoking questions.

Q: What were your thoughts last month when you found out that the remainder of your classes for your senior year would be held remotely. How has this change impacted you?

A: Moving back home and switching to online classes for the rest of my senior year, without really any warning, has been a pretty weird and challenging experience. It’s disappointing when we think about all of the things we are missing - basketball banquet, going to baseball games, spring activities, graduation, etc. I wish there could have been more closure to my college years, but for now FaceTime will have to do.

Q: What, are your plans following graduation?

A: Right now, I am just seeing where the Lord directs me. In the future, I plan on teaching math in a high school classroom. And I am sure you will always be able to find me in a gym, coaching or playing some sport.