(This story was originally posted on stories.smumustangs.com)
People often think leadership starts with a title.
That you need a position or a platform before you can make a real impact.
But for me, leadership has always started with something simpler: Connection.
When I first got to SMU, I didn't set out to hold leadership positions. I just wanted to be involved, to help create spaces where people felt seen, heard, and supported.
If I could bring people together or brighten someone's day, that was enough.
That was the primary goal.
Since then, I've had the privilege of serving as Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and as President of the Black Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (BSAAC).
Both roles have given me the chance to help shape the SMU community in ways that go beyond sports—and to work toward something bigger than myself.
As a student-athlete, a Tower Scholar, and someone deeply committed to service, I'm constantly striving to build bridges and create spaces where people can belong.
But that doesn't mean it's always easy.
Creating change is messy, tiring, and sometimes frustrating.
Still, I believe it's worth it—and I'm grateful I get to be part of the work.
Showing Up, Then Stepping Up
My leadership journey didn't begin with a campaign or an application.
It started with showing up.
During my freshman year, I reached out to Brenda Scott to get involved with BSAAC. I wasn't looking for a leadership title, I just wanted to connect and contribute. I felt the same way about SAAC.
I started attending meetings to listen and learn, particularly on new topics like NIL. Eventually, someone asked if I wanted to be a team rep, and I said yes.
From there, I kept showing up, kept engaging, and found myself in a position to help shape the conversations.
SAAC, to me, has so much potential. If we can get reps who care—who are passionate about service and community—we can build something that positively impacts every team on campus.
I've already seen some of that momentum.
Last year, the soccer team really leaned into community service, and a big part of that was because I sought out opportunities for us to give back together.
This year, I've got even bigger ideas and I'm excited to put them into action.
With BSAAC, my goals are more focused on depth. It's a more intimate space than SAAC, and I want to use that closeness to have more meaningful conversations.
I want BSAAC to be a home base for Black student-athletes on campus.
That means more intentional meetings, more guest speakers who can inspire us, more conversations around current events, and a monthly community service project we do as a group.
That's how we build real community.
Learning together, giving back, and sharing experiences that make us stronger.
Lessons from the Unity Tour
One of the most meaningful experiences I've had through SAAC and BSAAC was being selected for the ACC Unity Tour this summer.
We traveled through Alabama, visiting Civil Rights landmarks in Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham.
It was humbling, emotional, and unforgettable.
One speaker who stood out to me was Doris Crenshaw. She talked about the importance of meeting people where they are and showing them what you can offer.
That message stuck with me. Because as student-athletes, we often say we want to serve the community, but we don't always act on it.
Sometimes it feels like too much effort. Sometimes we don't know where to start. And sometimes, especially for athletes who are already being supported in big ways—like through NIL—it doesn't always feel like a priority.
But the desire is there.
And that's why I care so much about my work with SAAC and BSAAC. These organizations can help student-athletes bridge that gap. If I can streamline the process, create accessible opportunities, and build programs that feel rewarding and fun, I can help others make the impact they already want to make.
That's what leadership looks like to me—removing obstacles so more people can be involved in creating change.
More Than a Game
Outside of soccer and my leadership roles, I've been lucky to be part of the Tower Scholars Program, which has pushed me to think bigger about my impact.
Through public policy courses and mentorship from professors with real-world experience, I've expanded my understanding of service and advocacy. It's challenged me in ways that stretch far beyond the field.
And if there's one message I could share with other student-athletes, it's this: Don't limit yourself to your sport.
There are so many incredible opportunities at SMU that can shape who you are and how you move through the world.
Step outside your comfort zone.
Try something new.
Say yes to the meeting, the club, the volunteer event.
That's where the growth happens.
As I head into my junior year, I'm filled with both determination and hope. I want to help take our soccer team to the NCAA tournament, and I'm excited to bring new energy and ideas to SAAC and BSAAC.
But more than anything, I want to help create a campus culture where student-athletes are seen as leaders not just in their sport, but across the board.
It's not always easy work. But I'm ready for it.
And I'm grateful to be surrounded by people who believe in the kind of change I do—real, lasting, and rooted in community.
