I competed at the D3 level because I wanted an experience defined by more than performance one that challenged me to grow as a student, a leader, and a person all at once. The D3 environment taught me that athletics is a vehicle for character development. Some of my most formative moments happened off the court entirely like supporting teammates through adversity, stepping into leadership, and learning that the mental and emotional side of sport is just as demanding as the physical. My D3 journey gave me a blueprint for competing with purpose, and I want to help the next generation of student-athletes find theirs.