Please share with us about your background as an athlete/player.
From the age of 4 years old until I got my BFA in Dance Theater 10 years ago, dance was my primary athletic sport/art form. Being a professional dancer has always allowed me the space to show up into sports spaces with the agility, strength and drive to perform well under pressure even as a rookie. This season with the teal Dynamo women’s team was my very first season of soccer ever and I loved hearing from my teammates that I have good instincts plus I can run really fast. I can thank dance for those skills!
What do you like about the league?
As a rookie, I can say my teammates were my favorite part of the league this season. They welcomed me with open arms and coached me through the season with patience and passion. They really inspired me to continue working hard each game and to learn the game of soccer more quickly!
What do you enjoy doing outside of soccer?
I love hanging out with my partner, my friends and spending time catching up with my family in SoCal. Plus dancing whether at the gym, at nightclubs or outside at a park. I'm also the Head Coach at IBX Fitness in Albany, CA. This is where I spend my time enjoying building the community strong through group strength training.
Are there any soccer figures/people you admire and what about them do you like?
My 2 soccer figures who I admire are my dad and my niece. I grew up around soccer as my dad loves the sport. He was always watching games after he retired, and went to a lot of LA Galaxy games. Seeing his passion I always wanted to play, but dance got in the way. Then, over the past 2 years my niece who is now 10 years old has been an unstoppable soccer player! She's a fearless goalie and an incredible powerhouse on the field. Her AYSO team recently went undefeated during Spring Select, which was so awesome to watch from afar!
What is your fondest memory of soccer?
I scored my first goal during the 3rd game of the BAASL Thursday Women’s 8v8 San Pablo season. As a rookie, that was a really awesome feeling! I'm grateful my teammate Brett Anne practiced with me the Tuesday before and that the drills we did really supported me in taking a confident shot!
Was there any experience in particular that influenced your love of soccer?
My dad and my niece’s passion for the sport made me want to take a chance as an adult and try something new!
Do you have any rituals you do before playing a game?
Currently, I just make sure to get to the games early and warm-up with teammates who are at the field already. That moment of checking in and getting our bodies warmed up together is an important part of the game.
What do you think the future of soccer in the U.S. will look like?
I think with the World Cup coming to the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 the future of soccer continues to flourish here in the US. I know many people are very excited for the games to come close to home. For myself, I hope I can continue to learn more over the time period and even attend a World Cup game with my teammates.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself with the BAASL community?
I'm really grateful for the opportunity my team captain Dani took by letting me show up as a free agent during the first game and signing me up to be a part of team Dynamo. It was an incredible experience playing my first season and I'm really looking forward to growing into a strong soccer player as the seasons continue. Also, if anyone wants to cross train with me, come visit me at IBX Fitness for group strength training. Your first 3 classes are only $1!