Growing up in Connecticut, like many young girls, I idolized Maya Moore.

Between NCAA Championships, WNBA Championships, MVPs, All-Star games, etc., name an accomplishment on the basketball court, and she's done it.

I've always admired her work ethic and everything she's achieved in the sport, but what she's done outside the sport is what's inspired me the most.

For her to use her voice and platform to show the world how powerful and influential she can be in changing people's lives is something I've always marveled about her.

When I think about what Black history means to me, as a biracial student-athlete who plays basketball at Virginia Tech, it's about honoring individuals like Maya Moore who paved the way.

Whether it was watching Maya and those UConn women's basketball teams growing up or being around so many incredible mentors and leaders in my life, I've been fortunate to have some extraordinary role models who have shown me the way.

I've been blessed to have such a strong support system in my life, with my family playing an integral role in the success I've had. I also feel indebted to be a part of a university like Virginia Tech that has embraced diversity and inclusion and provided me with a platform to use my voice and make an impact.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I'd like to take this time to recognize those that came before me who have made a significant difference in the world and in my life.
 
Dedicated and loving investment
Throughout the highs and lows of my basketball career and life, my parents have been right there with me every step of the way.

Whether it was driving me to practices and games or helping me find the right teams and leagues to play in, they were always there to support me and help me grow as a player.

I spent countless hours in the car with my dad, driving back and forth to practices and tournaments. I spent just as many hours on the phone getting advice, love, and an incredible amount of support from my mom. 

Looking back, those car rides and phone calls are some of my fondest memories.

Without my parents' love, support, and sacrifice, I never would have had the opportunity to play college basketball and earn my undergraduate degree at Wake Forest and continue my career at VT.

My parents always tell me that my success is their "return on investment," but I know it's so much more than that.

It was an investment of time, energy, and love, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to pay them back for everything they've done for me.

I would be remiss if I did not mention what my siblings have meant to me along this journey. I am not me without them. The love and bond we share has pushed me to become who I am today, and for that I am grateful. 
 
A powerful platform
My sophomore year at Wake Forest became a transformational year for me because that's when I actively realized the platform I have to let my voice be heard, especially as a biracial student-athlete.

I was heavily involved with SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and we held a town hall meeting after the events that transpired with George Floyd and the impact that it had on our community.

I still have goosebumps thinking about the powerful conversations we had at that meeting.

It was amazing to hear from football players and other athletes that don't normally speak up because they lacked the platform and comfort opening up to create conversations and dialogue about topics that were so near and dear to their hearts.

As I've continued to grow into my leadership roles with SAAC at Wake Forest and now at Virginia Tech, there's never been a more valuable time for a student-athlete's voice to be heard.

With all the changes happening to NIL, conference realignment, the transfer portal and more, we're all going through these experiences for the first time together. It's critical to get feedback from people so we can grow, learn, advocate, and get to know each other on a personal level as we navigate these changes together.
 
Lifelong bonds and mentorship
When I look back on my time as a student-athlete, I firmly believe the relationships and connections I've made have been the most important and impactful part of my journey.

I've had several coaches along the way but three that have had a significant influence on preparing me for the next level. Lauren Moore, Kara Leary, and Kim Benzan all played a pivotal role in my development and gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills on a national stage at the AAU level. Kim Benzan was my last AAU coach and has remained an incredibly impactful mentor to me throughout my college career. She was an influential factor when I entered the transfer portal knowing I could rely on her guidance and mentorship. 

During my time at Wake Forest, I had the benefit of working with some amazing coaches, and will be forever indebted to Coach Hoover and her staff for choosing to invest in me. When I think about the leaders and role models that impacted my experience, I admire Coach E's ability to lead fiercely as a black woman in the industry, and Coach Mel's dedication to advocacy and community outreach. 

When I think about meaningful relationships and the invaluable role of mentorship, Jena Ready, who was my strength coach, comes to mind. Coach Ready had a tremendous impact on me both on and off the court, too. She pushed me to be the best athlete I could be and taught me the importance of resilience, hard work and dedication. 

She actually joined Clemson's staff in the last few years, so I was able to reunite with her when we played them a few weeks ago, which was the best feeling ever.

Another person who had a huge influence on me during my time off the court at Wake Forest was Ashley Wechter.

Ashley was a staff member at Wake Forest at the time, and she was one of the most important mentors in my life. She was the one who helped introduce me to SAAC and was a huge support in that area. I still pick up the phone and call her today whenever I need advice or guidance, and I am so grateful for her leadership and friendship.

When I think about the people who have impacted my life, I am truly blessed to have so many amazing mentors and leaders who have guided me and shaped me into the person I am today.
 
Breaking barriers and building bridges
As a biracial woman, I've had to navigate the complexities of my identity, mostly off the court. There have been times when I've felt like I don't quite fit in with either group, but through it all, I've learned the importance of getting to know a person beyond the surface level.

Taking away what people look like on the outside and getting to know somebody and what they possess on the inside is what matters the most.

The importance of Black history lies in the ongoing need to engage in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

By continually working to improve these experiences, we contribute to shaping a better future for the Black community for generations to come.

For me, personally, I'm able to compete at the highest level of college basketball because of the Black athletes that came before me who fought for equality and opportunity.

Their hard work and sacrifice paved the way for athletes like me to chase our dreams and make the most of our opportunities.

They have shattered barriers, broken records, and changed the game for the better, and I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to honor their legacy and push their work forward.

Whether it's advocating for student-athletes through SAAC, fostering an inclusive environment on my team, or being a mentor and leader to my younger teammates, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in everything I do.