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I’ve discovered who I am is shaped by two halves: Filipina and American; Creative and Analytical; Listener and Communicator; Deliberate and Spontaneous; Teammate and Competitor; Green Eye and Brown Eye. My yin and yang constantly grows as I evolve on this journey.
Another pairing that makes me whole is family and soccer. These two cornerstones molded me into the person I am. The unconditional love of family and my passion for soccer have both guided me to the most joyful and rewarding experiences. My mother, a Filipina who immigrated to America in the late 80s, made countless sacrifices for me to live a better life. My father, a coach and educator for over 50 years, will always be my OG trainer and number one fan. My sister, a healthcare worker who uses laughter as medicine, has been my best friend and role model since first breath. I recognize the blessing it is to have the family I do, and I’m forever grateful for their love.
Soccer has been the glue that kept my family together. From backyard tennis-ball drills to tournaments on holiday weekends, my childhood was consumed by soccer: 100+ mile roundtrips to practice, private training sessions, summers of ODP, College Showcases, flights across the country, and endless hotels stays. With the support of family, I was able to play soccer at Vanderbilt University where I earned a degree in Economics and Communications.
Upon graduating from Vanderbilt, I did healthcare consulting and eventually made my way into tech sales at IBM. Responsible for million dollar quotas and numerous business partners across the country, I grew my professional career at one of the most iconic tech companies of all time. I fostered and managed relationships across multiple industries that used IBM Power Systems to optimize their IT environment. Although a corporate convert, I continued to play soccer in pick-up games and adult leagues.
Through IBM, I made a move to Los Angeles, California. Truly a magical place, LA rejuvenated my love for soccer on a whole new level. After deeply reflecting during COVID years, I decided I wanted to pursue soccer and take advantage of the window I still had of being young and healthy. But, the universe had other plans - during a tryout with the Philippines Women’s National Team, I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus. After the traumatic knee injury and multiple setbacks that followed thereafter, I vowed that I’d only pursue things that energize and fulfill me. I pivoted from the tech space and broke into the sports industry working in group sales for the Portland Trail Blazers and coaching the Portland Thorns FC Academy.
Throughout the years, I’ve found my happiest moments are in a sports environment. Whether that be playing, coaching, or attending an event, there really isn’t anything like sport that inspires and brings people together. The time I spent in Portland taught me that being in sports and entertainment was the type of career that offered a challenge and reward I’d been searching for. My journey continues as I navigate this next chapter. With a new knee and deeper wisdom from my experiences, I’m back on the pitch.
Here’s to embracing the unknown and enjoying the process.
