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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

What I love most about judo and wrestling is that both challenge me physically and mentally. Judo gives me the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, while wrestling teaches me to push through adversity. Both sports prepare me for life. My coach says, “The way you do judo is the way you are in life.” If you’re always late to practice, you’re probably going to be late to school. The habits I build in both sports carry into everything I do.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

My coach inspires me most because no matter what obstacle is in his way, he finds a way around it. He has been involved in judo since he was young, so he understands what it takes to succeed. He has taught me that setbacks are not excuses to stop—they are opportunities to get better. Watching how he handles challenges motivates me to bring that same mindset to both judo and wrestling and to everything I do outside of sports.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Winning a silver medal at the 2026 Pan American Judo Championships in Ecuador is the moment I’m proudest of. The year before, in Peru, I had the opportunity to compete but didn’t win a single match. Going back this year and earning a silver medal showed me how much my hard work and determination had paid off. It proved that one setback doesn’t define me. I kept working and came back stronger than ever.