As a freshman transfer quarterback, this past year has been full of huge transitions physically, mentally, and emotionally. Coming into a new program and a new environment felt like stepping into a whole different world. I knew transferring would make things different, but I didn’t fully understand how much it would shape me until I started living it! Physically, the biggest adjustment was adapting to a new training system and rebuilding my routine from the ground up due to the time change from Michigan to Iowa. Every coaching staff has its own standards, language, expectations, and tempo, and learning all of that while trying to earn trust with the new players has been difficult but easy at the same time I had to learn to listen better and take care of my body. Playing quarterback means I have to be dependable at all times, not just in games. That responsibility has made me grow fast. Emotionally, the transition was hard, the first night I was here I cried in my room alone, I’ve never been this far away from home for this long. Leaving behind teammates, friends, and family. Starting over meant dealing with uncertainty such as wondering if I made the right choice, if I’d fit in, and if I’d be able to earn my spot. Learning how to manage that pressure has been one of the most important parts of my journey. I’ve had to stay patient and stay confident in who I am, even when everything around me felt new. I’ve realized that you can’t perform your best if you’re not balanced mentally. This past year taught me that physical and emotional health aren’t separate–they work together. Taking care of both is the way of success for me as an athlete and as a person, and I’m committed to continuing that growth moving forward.
