Personal Statement
My goal has always been to play college basketball. I work hard to develop my skill on and off the court to accomplish this goal.
Athletically, some my proudest accomplishments are being named as an US Junior National All Star twice as a Freshman and being named to the all-area 3rd team and all-conference HR team as a sophomore. I feel my game is unique in that I am a tough defender and can use my size as a brick wall against opponents, and I also am a shooter. I work very hard academically; with English being my second language, at times it can be a challenge.
I was born in Irkutsk, Russia and came to the USA in 2010 when I was 7 (almost 8) years old. I was adopted and am proud to say I am an American citizen! I've faced a lot of adversity and had to overcome things in my life most people could not image. I’ve learned to take the negative and choose to find a positive outcome. Those things have made me a mentally strong person. Through all the hard times, I have had basketball. The game is my savior. The game centers me. The court is my safe place. My team are my support and family.
I started playing basketball before I was even speaking English. I've been playing basketball on organized teams since 2nd grade. The first 'travel team' I was a part of was as a 5th grader. The travel teams I have been a part of have always been teams with older teammates.
My goal has always been to play college ball. Basketball is part of my DNA.
I am an Indiana State 21st Century Scholar which allows me a scholarship of up to 100% tuition to any Indiana college or university.