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While I was trying to find my niche within communications, I was introduced to sports media and quickly feel in love with the industry. There was a sense of belonging and clarity; like a void had been filled. That sense created an entirely new passion for an industry I knew little about, which sparked a hunger to learn everything I could.

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This all started with a small, but great, opportunity to picture a collegiate baseball team back around my hometown in the summer of 2024. Immediate gratitude was given from players, coaches, families, and parents when my picture links started hitting those group chats. I found myself becoming more comfortable as time went on - experimenting with different angles, locations, settings, and anything else I could. When I realized my pictures were "that" good, I dabbled in graphic design, and after finishing my first one, in that moment gave me a new life motto: "stay teachable."

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I've always been a curious soul; always asking questions and wanting to learn. I've always been a creative at heart; always creating and building (usually Legos, though). Both traits were kept throughout my undergraduate years - I was taught the basics, but I pushed myself to go beyond them. Aside from a few undergraduate design courses and a crash course from a highly respected designer, I am self-taught. I never stopped learning how to improve my knowledge and skills, especially after creating that very first baseball graphic.

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I vividly remember scrolling through the millions of sports graphics on Pinterest, pinning every graphic that I wanted to recreate. My “designing” board started with a few logo and business card ideas – but quickly turned into hundreds of pinned sports graphics. I spent every spare moment designing, experimenting, and pushing myself to improve. During this time, I also learned just how valuable it was to “stay teachable.” Too many of us are afraid of change or think we know best, to the point it hinders our full potential. It became reassuring when others would mention how far I would go just with that simple mindset. I guess you could say I really dove into that mindset when I chose to continue my education (lol).

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There was a lot of emotions, for many people, when I announced I would no longer be pursuing agriculture, and for the right reasons. I have always been surrounded by individuals who have such a profound love for the industry, that they could never imagine leaving it. And it was disheartening, but I knew it was the right choice when all I felt was excitement and happiness when I was accepted into Louisiana State University.

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Now graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in agriculture and a drive to be successful in a new industry, I am here at Louisiana State University – arguably the number one athletics university – pursuing a master’s in mass communications with an emphasis on Strategic Communications. Life is good here. I have always wanted to get out of Oklahoma and see what other states had to offer. In a way, it’s weird, though. I love my home back in Oklahoma. But, I found the good in life again seven and a half hours away from home; not knowing a soul in Baton Rouge; creating a new life for myself. But, here I am – learning about sports media and increasing my skills; seeing where God and this industry takes me, but not forgetting about the industry that raised me.