Story time :) Growing up I was that naive kid who never knew the opponent, didn't understand what I was being set up for when I made youth nationals teams, and didn't realize how this whole messed up system works. I got opportunities because I simply loved playing and some people out there thought I was pretty good at it. Freshman year of high school I received many letters from schools from all over the country. I played up a year so was getting exposed a little earlier than players at my age. At 14 I just wanted to enjoy high school and thought thinking about college already was crazy. My dad saw the lack of interest from me at that age but was told I can get a free education so made sure it happened! Looking back I laugh because there were some consistent top 5 top 10 programs who showed interest and I didn't reply because I didn't know anything about that state and wasn't motivated to find out. My dad also didn't reply because he knew he wouldn't be able to make any of those games. With him in charge I was definitely going somewhere drivable :) I didn't come from a football cultured family and no one in my family had a college degree so it was a whole new idea and experience for us all. After a few local visits we ended up deciding on Long Beach State. We believed in Mauricio's vision of being a part of creating something special at this University. LBSU at the time had never made the NCAA tournament. We made the NCAA tournament my freshman year and ended my college career making a historic run to the Elite 8. Breaking these barriers with a school and players who had very little resources back then, contributes to the fight and grit in me now. Thank you to the parent/coach on my club team who took away our remaining dues every year (still a mystery) and to everyone who saw a special future in me when I couldn't myself! Grateful for you all! #GoBeach