I am a freshman at the University of Dubuque, studying business management and participating in football. My hometown is Mount Vernon, Iowa, where I graduated from Mount Vernon High School. I was heavily involved in FCA, football, basketball, and golf, and I took my academics very seriously, graduating with highest honors. During high school, I became more aware of the importance of physical and mental health. As a student-athlete, managing so many different areas of life can be taxing. I have seen a significant improvement in my overall well-being since I started to make time to focus on my mental health. My life revolves around my faith and my family, so when I struggle with mental and emotional health issues, I lean on them for guidance. In high school, I also began to understand the importance of fueling myself properly and taking care of my body. This approach helped me achieve multiple state playoff appearances and earn two 1st-Team All-State honors. I faced severe injuries during high school, including knee surgery and a broken sternum. Maintaining stable mental health and having support systems have been crucial for me. Physically, it has taught me to take even better care of my body and to recover well in order to reduce the risk of further injury. Playing college football has always been a dream of mine, and I am excited about the opportunities at the University of Dubuque.
