Tell us your soccer story. Why did you start playing soccer and why are you still playing today?

I started playing soccer when I was around 3, my parents put me on a team honestly just to try it. I've stuck with it honestly because it was always something that came natural to me and by putting in extra work I've been able to excel. I've met so many amazing people and met most of my best friends through soccer which has always given me a reason to continue. Playing soccer has always been a way to get away from everything else in my life and is a safe space for me.

You currently play D1 for the University of Dayton. What was it about their program that enticed you to commit to them? Has it been a good experience overall?

My junior year of highschool I reached out to Dayton because of the location, size of the school, and their success as a soccer program. At the time I was talking to several schools but the second I stepped foot on University of Dayton's campus I saw myself there and knew it was the place I was meant to be. I've loved my experience at Dayton, not only soccer but the school. It's the perfect size for me and I have met my best friends there. Going to Dayton is easily one of the best decisions I've ever made.

2020 was a really different year, and really upended a lot of athletes, especially young athletes. How did it impact your game, and what did you have to do to make sure you maintained fitness before heading into your 2021 spring season at Dayton?

2020 was a different year for everyone but student athletes have been specifically affected. This year has been extremely hard knowing our fall season was cancelled. Knowing that we would finally be able to play again Spring 2021 gave our team the push we needed to be ready to get back on the field. Being together in the Fall and training as a team allowed everyone to gain our fitness and be ready for games.

Anything in particular you're focused on in preparation for the 2021 fall season?

I'm focusing a lot on my offensive play, working on getting more shots on goal, as well as finishing those opportunities.

Detroit City FC is a beloved team for the city, and an exemplary model for all lower league soccer organizations who wish to run a professional environment. Adding a women's side was icing on the cake, it seems. What did you know about the organization before joining the roster?

Being from the Detroit area, I have known about the Detroit City FC organization for years. Many of my friends have season tickets so I have been able to experience what it's like to be a fan in the crowd of a DCFC game. When the opportunity came for me to play for this club, I jumped on it, especially knowing Sam would be coaching.

What has your experience been since joining the team, entering their training environment, getting to know the coaches and teammates, and now, experiencing their game day environment?

My experience at DCFC has been amazing. In my youth soccer career, I was coached by Sam for several years, so I understand his coaching style well, and it fits with how I play. It has been an adjustment playing with new players, getting to know them, and learning how they play but I've enjoyed it. There are so many players who I have played against in youth, highschool, and college soccer so it's been fun to connect with them. As far as my first game, it was amazing. The atmosphere at Keyworth is absolutely unmatched, and having 2000 people cheer you on for over 90 minutes is an unreal feeling. I'm very thankful for the welcome I got from all the fans and look forward to the rest of the season!

In the game against Muskegon Risers, in the 51st minute, you struck a gorgeous ball out of the air at the 18 line and right into the net. What were you thinking as you watched that ball come down to you before you delivered it over the goalie's head, and what were your thoughts while celebrating the game winning goal with your teammates?

To be honest, I don't even really remember the moments before the goal I scored. I think in moments like those I black out and my muscle memory takes over. When I was standing at the top of the box and the ball came in, I saw the back post open and the ball just ended up there. When I saw it go in the back of the net, I was a little surprised and didn't even really have time to process it before Margaret Berry hugged me and the rest of the team followed. After that, running over to the fans and seeing all the smoke, hearing the screams, and the confetti falling was something I will never forget. After that, I just thought about how my family was watching and it felt great knowing they would be proud. After the game, looking through social media, I saw a tweet from a fan who said that while they were celebrating my goal, their daughter said, "That could be me when I grow up!". For me that was the best part of the entire game, better than scoring or celebrating or even winning. I've never really thought of myself as a role model for younger girls so this really put everything in perspective for me. Easily one of the coolest moments of my soccer career.

Anything you're excited about this summer season with the team?

I’m personally really excited to get to know the other players and continue to build a culture for the women's team at DCFC that can continue for years to come.

Post soccer, do you see yourself maybe pursuing a career in soccer in some capacity?

After my college soccer career, I've never really thought about pursuing soccer at a higher level. It's always possible but haven't really given much thought to what I'll be doing post college, but you never know!

The game of women's soccer has made large gains the last few years, regardless of the troubles of 2020. Is there anything about that growth that stuck out or excites you most? Where do you see women's soccer headed in the future?

I hope in the future women's soccer continues on the path it's going and it continues to be celebrated by people who usually look past it. I think women's soccer can be so fun to watch, and I hope it gets the respect people have for mens sports.