Woman In Sports - Lifting As She Climb

Growing up, I knew that sports would play a part in my future because of the time and effort I dedicated to it at such a young age—beginning at five-years old. I started off boldly competing against my brother, cousins, neighborhood guys, and classmates. A lot of times I was the only girl on the field, and gave the guys that would compete against me a run for their money. Often times, I was the quickest, strongest, or more aggressive one because I always felt that I had something to prove. I was determined to show the guys that I belonged on this court in basketball and on the field in football and soccer. Well, by nine years old, I?few others and myself would say, that I earned a spot and respect from my peers in sports performance. By that time, I was multi-sport athlete (elite volleyball, basketball, and soccer), and my mom found time to enroll me dance classes from time to time. All I know was I loved competing and being active in sports. But most importantly, I adopted a love for training and winning.?

From grade school to high school, I played sports with literally no off season. And sometimes I would participate in two - three sports in one season, such as Cheer/Volleyball or Track/Cheer/Club Ball. You are probably wondering how did you focus on school? Well, I think it is important to elaborate on my relationship with academia because it is the breeding ground of the grit I have inherited in my journey. I was not your top of the class student-athlete. I would consider myself quiet mediocre in comparison to some of my classmates. I did not have superb math skills, but I studied/tutored. My writing ability was subpar, but I always journaled. I was honestly more of a creative, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring my abilities to design, create, and craft. But what I did do was work hard, challenge myself, and took accountability in all aspects of my life, and school was one. I always found ways to balance my lows and highs.?

Reminiscing on my transition to college, I can write a book on the things I would have done differently. Knowledge is truly power. And I missed so many opportunities by not having the proper guidance on maximizing my opportunities such as my athletic ability, ACT testing, networking, and scholarships. When I made it to campus at The University of Alabama, I arrived pretty empty handed. Although I was not too far from home, college [Bama] forced me into an awakening. I begin to ask myself, who am I outside of Birmingham, AL and the girl-jock tag that was attached to me? What do I do with my free time? Who do I want to become? I pondered, I explored mostly of what college [Bama] had to offer me from organizations, to student resources, careers, entertainment, ect. My grades dwindled between freshmen and sophomore year. I learned the tough lesson early, that everything had a standard of business. Everything I wanted had expectations such as a GPA requirements and portfolios. And I did not want to be stuck limited on what/who I could become because of my lack of preparedness. I started competing with my best self, and putting in the work to get back on track.?And to stay ahead of my life and what I get out of it!

A major motivating factor for me was to join the UA Student Recruitment Program. I knew this program was perfect for me because of the opportunity to get involved in student life, recruitment, and sports. Through this program, I discovered a purpose much bigger than myself, but one that married preparation and opportunity. The most bizarre part about joining the program in 2015, was the fact that Crimson Tide Football was in the brink of its prime with multiple back-to-back championships, Heisman Recipients, Seven-Year streak of #1 NCAA recruiting classes, and?so many more I will refrain from mentioning because I'll be allll day. #RollTide In the role as a recruiter, I had the privilege of standing in the gap on behalf of the program, recruits and their families. I was enlightened, and?realized early on the importance of having a “Me” to help navigate the process, conversations and critical moments of these young athletes lives. I knew what was needed, because I needed a “Me” when it was my time. I shared similar socioeconomic backgrounds and family upbringings with a lot of the athletes I encountered while at Bama, and can relate to the challenges that they face in charging forward. I developed family and lifetime friends through my service and athlete identity. God has expanded my capacity and given me vision allowing me find purpose in all the that I AM!

?In my professional work, I advise athletes (families and agencies) in building brand identity [LEGACY] off-the-field, while also resourcing their on-field needs. Simply put, I campaign for holistic development of athletes, rehabilitating at-risk youth and serving underserved communities through sports programming and alliances. So in this sports world, as you read earlier, competing with the guys has never been a problem for me! And I guess that was God preparing 'Little ME' for the places BIG ME is head.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read Brick by Brick, and I hope it encourage you. Be sure to subscribe to follow the journey. I hope you enjoyed my memoir as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you! I am grateful for every eye, every heart, and every mind!

On this National Girls and Women in Sports Day (and Black History Month), I am reflecting on how proud I am of myself for becoming that “Me” I needed, for others. I want to express the importance that Representation Matters. Reminding my fellow [black] women to be the BOLD face that is fabulous, friendly, familial and fierce. Understand that you are needed At The Table. And that you can openly advocate or US. For The Future of Sports. For More Opportunities. And For Room.?Because sis, you deserve it! Let me be the one to affirm you that God does not dissapoint!! And as the Great Coach Nick Saban would say, 'Do Your Job and Trust The Process.'

Isaiah 40:31

but?they who wait for the?Lord?shall renew their strength;?

they shall mount up with wings?like eagles;?

they shall run and not be weary;?

they shall walk and not faint.