At 6 years old I began playing football. Football was my first love and I have continued to play every year since. My goal and dream has always been to play at the next level after high school. My hard work, dedication and determination do not go unnoticed both on and off of the field. Academics have always been very important to me with an overall GPA of 3.5. I started every game as a junior and was named the only junior captain my junior season. My 2023 Junior Season I received First Team All Conference, First Team All Tri-Sate and All State Honorable Mention. I overcame adversity my junior season. On the day of my first game of my junior season my 2 year old baby brother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma with extensive metastisis. That nightmare of a diagnosis led him and my single mother 3 hours away from me to get treatment and they have remained there ever since. I didn’t know what mental and emotional toughness was until this nightmare of a situation. Balancing emotional pain, football and academics has given me even more motivation to work even harder to achieve my dream of playing football at the next level. In my family, we NEVER give up. #MarkaiStrong