Team USA!

At the age of seven, I proclaimed to my parents that my days of ballet were over, and that I ‘want to take TaeKwonDo!’ They were shocked and confused to hear this from their tiny, timid daughter, but decided to take me to a martial arts studio the following week anyways. I stepped foot into a TaeKwonDo school in the late summer of 1999, and never looked back.

Nearly 18 years of training have quickly come and gone. Countless hours of training, sweating, stretching. 17 belt promotions. Years of tears, failures, and ‘can’ts’. Practicing techniques until every fiber in my body felt as though it would break. Days that made me feel on top of the world, days that made me want to leave the sport behind. Sparring sessions, forms clinics, board breaks, weapons seminars. Instructors who have pushed me to achieve my personal best, fellow students who became my family and biggest support system.

I approached the competition world apprehensively. I had no experience and no coach – just a dad who was willing to get in the car with me and drive for hours until we approached the closest tournament. 12 and 13 hour days filled with “hurry up and wait”. But the ‘itis’ quickly overtook me, and I wanted to be at EVERY tournament near and far, every single weekend.

I would realize that after all, I was shockingly decent at a sport that I poured my heart and soul into. I would put in the extra hours it required. Researching the ins and outs – the competitors, the circuits, the gear, the uniforms. I would put over 50 wins under my belt. I realized that I COULD set my sights higher,  I COULD work for bigger goals.

In late 2016, I applied for a coveted spot on Team USA for the Maccabiah World Championships in July. I didn’t expect to get a call back; I was just a girl who lived in Raleigh with big dreams and an even bigger passion for my sport. Getting a callback that said “there’s only 8 spots on the TaeKwonDo team, and we’d like to offer one to you” still feels surreal. A world games sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, and World Federation of Sports. The 3rd largest sporting event after the Olympic Games, and considered “Regional Games’ by the IOC.

As the games approach, the excitement continues to grow each and every day. I am beyond blessed to have been given this opportunity, and it is not taken lightly. I train harder then ever before to ensure that I am in the best possible shape to represent my country on the international stage. 

Any financial support from my communities, near and far, is so appreciated. I can't do this without your support! 

Thank you, and I will do you proud. USA!