Personal Statement
Basketball has fueled nearly every aspect of my life. I began chasing the dream to play collegiate basketball in the second grade and have never looked back. The process of transforming this dream into a reality has taught me many lessons and provided many opportunities to become a better overall person. One lesson learned is the importance of family - family on the court but also family by blood. Team is everything to me. I come from an adoptive family, and we are a team; my baby brother and I from China, and my triplet sisters from Fort Worth. The unyielding support I get from them is overwhelming. This tight bond bleeds into the relationships I have made and continue to make throughout my basketball journey. Basketball has taught me TEAM.
Ten years with the ball in my hand have allowed me to develop great leadership skills. I consider it a critical responsibility to lead the flow of the game and dynamics of the team. Leadership also comes naturally on the field in band. I am one of three performers on the snare line for the past two years, and this past season, The Mighty Cardinal Band brought home the Silver Medal at the UIL Texas 4A State Marching Band Competition. Service off the court is also deeply ingrained in all that I do, so much of my time is spent mentoring and coaching within our community. I was personally chosen by my Principal to be one of only two students who meet weekly in the Principal Advisory Committee to serve as the voice of my entire class. I have also had the amazing experiences of traveling to Africa on a mission trip through my church. I have learned how to serve others through the sport I love. Basketball has taught me LEADERSHIP.
No career is without its obstacles. This season I was a top ten 3 point shooter in the entire State of Texas before a stress fracture placed me on the sideline. Timing for tough challenges is never convenient; however, keeping the team in mind, I pressed, trained, and faithfully rehabilitated, and have come out of the injury stronger, with an even higher resolve to excel. The comment I hear most often from coaches is that I am a "glue player"...the game and the team flow more smoothly when I am on the court. I am resilient at doing all the “little things” all of the time. The love I have for this game is unreal. I am a fierce competitor and will allow no obstacle to kill my passion for a dream I have been chasing for 10 years. I have grown tremendously as a person throughout my basketball career and consider it an HONOR to play at the next level, representing your university both on and off the court!