I've been an athlete for as long as I can remember. From football to basketball, baseball to soccer, and everything in between, sports were my passion. In high school, I excelled in football and basketball, earning the opportunity to play college football at Southwestern Oklahoma State University—a dream come true. However, my journey was riddled with setbacks: two major injuries, numerous minor ones, and multiple concussions. When I tore my ACL, I knew it was time to hang up my cleats. It was a tough decision, shaking me to my core. Losing the structure of organized sports left me searching for my identity beyond athletics.
Fast forward to 2020, the year of the pandemic, and I found myself at my heaviest, weighing 310 pounds. The tipping point came when I felt embarrassed looking at my engagement photos. Determined to make a change for my upcoming wedding, I committed to the "75 Hard Challenge" in January 2021. With my wife-to-be as my inspiration, I embarked on a weight loss journey. By the time our wedding arrived in October, I had shed 35 pounds and felt proud of my progress.
The honeymoon phase of our marriage was marked by continued dedication to fitness. However, my job at the time was emotionally draining, impacting my motivation to prioritize my health. To stay accountable, I started a fitness Instagram account—an unexpected source of inspiration and support. Initially, I had few followers, mostly friends and family, but as I shared my journey, the community grew.
In mid-2022, amidst job-related challenges, a teaching opportunity presented itself. Despite the difficulty of leaving my former job, I embraced the new role, now in my second year of teaching. Meanwhile, my fitness account flourished, nearing 400 followers and opening doors to collaborations with supplement companies like 5 Star Nutrition and Raw Nutrition. These partnerships aligned with my values, allowing me to inspire others while pursuing my own fitness goals.
What began as a personal quest for self-improvement has evolved into a platform for empowerment. I'm grateful for the chance to support others striving for progress, finding solace in the collective pursuit of growth. Above all, my journey serves as a reminder that transformation is a process—a journey to be embraced, challenges and all. As I navigate life's twists and turns, I draw strength from my faith, trusting in God's promise of restoration and resilience.
