Never on the sidelines
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Never on the sidelines —
I understand what it's like to be forced to sit out because of your setbacks.
At the age of four, I started training for basketball with my dad. I played in the middle school league for over three years before I heard the fateful words that crush the dreams of many: "You are not good enough." Getting cut from my freshman basketball team was a tough experience, but it made me resilient.
I continued to work hard and improve my skills by joining the ROTC basketball team, which gave me the discipline and structure to develop on the court. After many trials I was accepted into the junior varsity team followed by the varsity team. There was one big lesson I still had to learn, how to handle success. Following my desires and passions instead of staying on course led to bad influences, substance misuse, and a near-death experience with a torn ACL, MCL, kneecap reconstruction, and a broken femur with almost a year of recovery.
Over the years, I spiraled into depression and isolated myself from everything that once made me feel alive. Then my daughter and my son were born. Despite holding their fragile bodies, I also knew these kids could accomplish anything through faith. In that moment, I made the commitment to teach my kids and many others how to overcome setbacks that attempt to keep them on the sidelines. Now, I use my experiences, knowledge, and strategies to help others achieve their basketball goals and reach their full potential!