Who Am I?

I am a testament to dreams, hopes, and unwavering spirit. As a first-generation African American, my story is intricately woven with the legacies of my resilient parents. My mother, a black Zimbabwean, embraced tennis amid post-apartheid challenges, envisioning a barrier-free world for my siblings and me. My father, hailing from the projects of Anniston, Alabama, rose to become a First Team All-American basketball star, a beacon of triumph over life’s trials. Their tales of determination and hope shape my identity.

Externally, I’m a 5-foot-9 athlete, representing the aspirations of a middle-class family blessed with athletic prowess. However, beneath my athlete’s exterior lie anxieties, insecurities, and dreams. I navigate a sport that can favor privilege over talent, where merit is occasionally overshadowed, at times allowing doubt to set in—concerns about whether you belong, are mentally strong enough to go the distance, and concern if my family can sustain me financially supporting my lofty goals.

Off-court, I cherish quiet moments, poolside relaxation, and ever-changing favorite colors like lavender or pink. Pasta dishes comfort me, and I find solace in Marvel, DC, and Anime.