What first got you interested in becoming a kicker, and how did that passion grow over the years?

 I always played football my whole life. And I always played soccer too, but I usually, I just played wide receiver, but then in 8th grade, we needed a kicker, and I tried out for it, and it worked, and I just kind of realized I had potential in it. 

What has been the most memorable kick or moment of your football career so far, and why does it stand out to you?

I would say probably definitely the 1st playoff game of this year against Sheridan. I had the opportunity to hit a game-winning kick, and that was really nice just to be able to send our team to the next round and obviously just meant a lot for the program and for the community.

How do you mentally prepare yourself before a big kick during a high-pressure game?

I do a lot of mental visualization throughout the week, and I put myself in scenarios that are like high pressure. So that when I get to that moment, you know, you just don’t feel it because if you start feeling the pressure, you’re gonna miss that kick.

What challenges have you faced as a kicker, and how have those experiences helped you improve?

I would say the biggest thing would definitely be recruiting wise, because there’s a ton of new rules in college football, like roster rooms, getting shrunken down, the transfer portal, the fact that, you know, people are getting, like, extra years of eligibility, so there’s a lot of, like, older people in college football, who are, like, taking a lot of these spots. So that means like college football spots are like way harder to come by than they used to be and a spot means way more now. 

Who has had the biggest influence on your football journey, both on and off the field?

 I would I’d probably say just my family, to be honest, because it’s just to be able to put on for my family, and work super hard for them, you know, be able to go to college without paying for tuition. 

What does it mean to you to continue your football career in Louisville, and what are you most excited about there?

I’m really excited because they’re gonna be really good this year. So they’re gonna be they’re gonna be a playoff contender. They have a crazy roster. They were able to get a lot of pieces through the portal. So, we’ll be pretty good this year, and, you know, just playing in the ACC at Power 4. just the Power 4 level will be awesome. Honestly, the most exciting part for this year is probably gonna be week one against Old Miss. 

How has your team supported you throughout your journey to playing at the next level?

They´ve been awesome. But my whole team has always been there for me. you know, trying to give me opportunities, especially in the Sheridan game they all had faith in me. they were all telling me, like, you know, like, like, we got you, like, we’re ready. Like, we know you’re gonna make the kick.

What lessons from football have helped shape you as a person outside of sports?

I would say self-discipline and, working hard because, football has ultimately challenged me to, work harder than I ever had before. 

What goals do you have for yourself when you arrive in Louisville—both academically and athletically?

I want to get a degree in around 3 years which is realistic with football because of summer classes. 

That’s from the academic side. And then from the football side, I want to go in, win the starting job, year one. That’ll be tough to win, but I think I can do it. 

Then, um, and then also just ultimately, you know, win the ACC championship and make the playoffs.

What advice would you give younger athletes who dream of playing football at the college level?

You gotta want it. You gotta work harder than you ever had before, but it’s possible. As long as, the work you put in, is what you’re gonna get out. 

So as long as you put in all the hard work that, you know, takes it to the power 4 level, then that’s what you’re gonna get. So it’s just all about work ethic.