I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Psychology. During my freshman year, I was playing collegiate soccer and quietly struggling physically, mentally, and spiritually. I had tied so much of my worth to performance and achievement, and it was wearing me down.

At my campus there was a FOCUS missionary who met me one day at mass and after a tiring training day, she gently asked, “How are you?” It was such a simple question, but it was the first time I remember someone really meaning it. I broke down. That conversation opened the door for me to be honest with her, with myself, and eventually with God. Through her accompaniment and the community I found at my Newman Center, I began to learn that my identity wasn’t in being an athlete or in any other title that I carried, but in being a beloved daughter of God.

As I continued to grow in relationship with Christ through discipleship, Scripture, and getting involved in mission trips, I felt a deep call to help others encounter the same love and freedom I had found. Now, as a missionary, I especially desire to walk with female athletes, to remind them that they are more than their sport or success. That they are deeply known, deeply loved, and never alone.

Wow! Your generosity truly moves me. There are so many incredible missions you could support, and the fact that you’ve chosen to invest in FOCUS and in me, means more than I can say. You are giving faith, hope, and love to sons and daughters who are searching for meaning, just like I was.

This mission is only possible because of people like you, and I don’t take that lightly. I don’t just want your support, I want to know you, pray for you, and walk with you in faith. As you invest in this mission, I want to invest in you. I believe God is moving in both of our lives through this partnership, and I’m so grateful we get to live this mission together!