Remind us of your hometown.

I was born in Long Beach, California but raised in Spokane, Washington which is my home town. It’s a big city- little town feel. We are home to the Gonzaga basketball team (those games are always fun to go to and watch). We have a Spokane Indians team (baseball minor league) also so fun to watch, and we have a hockey team, the Spokane Chiefs – very exciting. Spokane is my home and I love it, we have all four seasons and they are all true to the expected weather that comes with the seasons. We have a lot of lakes to go boating at and rivers and also have some mountains that are fun to snowboard down in the winter. We have a river that flows through our city. You can get almost anywhere in town within 15-20 minutes, Idaho CDA is about 25 minutes away. You can know everyone in town but still meet new people each day. We have a huge diversity of yummy food places to eat and our River Front Park downtown is a fun place to visit and hang out with concerts in the summer time at the outdoor theater.

Where do you live now?

I live in Spokane.

Why did you choose to attend WVU Tech?

I chose WVU Tech because I wanted to travel and experience the east coast. I am from Washington State and before I had never traveled to the east coast.

What is your fondest memory from your time at Tech?

I have so many good memories from WVU Tech, from the life long friendships, team road trips, to selling hotdogs at school events. One of my fondest memories would be when I was a freshman and robbed a homerun playing Center Field, I stretched over the fence and caught it.  

Who had the biggest influence on you during your career as a Golden Bear?

Amber Atha (Affholter). She came into the program at a very difficult time and was able to turn things around for the better. She has always been so supportive and when I was wanting to give up and quit she changed my mind. I am so glad she did because it helped shaped me into the person I am today. She is my all-time favorite coach and such a great person. I think every athlete that has had the privilege to work with her would say the same.

Who was your favorite professor(s) at Tech? 

Dr. (Deborah) Beutler. I loved going to her class because she is such a personable professor. She makes school fun and in college – that is very important. She was at every single game and event. I always looked forward to her smile and positive energy that she gives off.

What accomplishments at Tech are you most proud of?

Sticking through the hard school work while continuing to play softball being miles away from my home and family.

What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at WVU Tech?

Becoming more independent and responsible and being able to learn how to stick through and accomplish my goals while getting obstacles thrown my way.

What was your favorite non-athletic event at WVU Tech?

My hotdog cart – Grillin’ Girls.

What accomplishments after Tech are you most proud of?

Getting married, having my kids and being able to grow in my career all at the same time.

Did you have an opportunity to continue your sports career?

I have been able to help teach and coach my bonus daughter (step daughter) softball. I introduced this to her about four years ago and she loves softball and we have been able to bond and share the love of this sport together.

Are you still playing any sports right now?

I wish - if I had time. Just being a mom and going to all the kids sporting events. I have four kids they play/participate in; baseball, softball, basketball, track, volleyball and wrestling. I help coach my daughter's softball team.

Who is your current employer?

I work at CHAS Health – Community Health Association of Spokane

What is your job title and what does the position entail?

I am the Behavioral Health Program Manager and help with program operations, I work at the admin building but also visit all of our clinics. I work with providers, and all support staff to make sure workflows are sustainable and that all bh staff and patients are supported.

What advice can you give current student-athletes? 

To always ask questions or ask for help if you need it. Being a college athlete can get tough, stick through your education. Make goals (short term and long term goals) and work towards those, once those are accomplished, make new ones. Always know your worth and what you are capable of. When others put you down or bring you down, take that as a learning opportunity and grow from it. Time management is so important – calendars, checklists and prioritizing deadlines help with this. Being responsible and holding your self accountable is a must. Surround yourself with people that are uplifting and encouraging. Find what makes you happy and fight for it.

How did your athletic involvement aid in the path that you chose following graduation?

My athletic involvement taught me how to be independent, responsible, and reliable. And never to quit, no matter how hard things may get – stick to your goals.

What else should we know?

After graduation I worked at the Parkinson Foundation as a Patient Resource Coordinator where I chose to go back to school and received my Medical Assistant License. I worked at CHAS as a MA-C for about three years, then became a clinical trainer, then the behavioral health services supervisor where I then got promoted to Behavioral Health Program Manager. I would have never thought this would be my career path but I love what I do and just know your mind, or major can change but find what you enjoy doing, and what you're good at. During this time I got married, gained two amazing kiddos from my husband and also had two kids of our own. My children are my life and my whole world and that is why I continue to keep following my dreams.