Mariah

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

She truly loves everything about karate—the challenge, the discipline, competing, learning new skills and seeing how far she can push herself. She looks forward to training and would be at the dojo every day if she could! She loves setting goals and working hard to achieve them, whether it’s perfecting a technique or preparing for a competition. Karate has become a huge part of who she is, and her passion for it continues to grow.

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

Her coach, Mr. White, and her teammates inspire her most. They have become like a second family to her. Mr. White encourages her to work hard, believe in herself and keep pushing when something is difficult. Her teammates motivate and support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and make their gym a place she always wants to be. They’ve helped turn her love of karate into something much bigger than a sport.

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

What makes me proudest isn’t a medal or a win—it’s watching her cheer for others. Whether she has won or lost, she is right there cheering on her teammates and even friends competing for other teams. She genuinely wants to see others succeed. Watching her show that kind of sportsmanship, kindness and support at only 10 years old makes me incredibly proud. To me, that is what being a great athlete is really about.