1.)  ARE THERE ANY MOMENTS THAT STOOD OUT OR YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT PLAYING YOUR MINOR FOOTBALL IN TORONTO AND BEING A JR. ARGO?
A: Being coached by coach Carlo Onorati was one of the best decisions I have made. I had to face many politics playing for my old coach but when I switched to Junior Argos I was coached by a coaching staff that evaluated me purely on my skill level and I earned my starting position in my first year of Varsity football. Before the season when everyone was fighting for a starting position, I went up against one of the best WR’s in the league during 1vs1s (he got recruited to play USPORTS and was a high level recruit). At this point I had gained respect from my teammates, but I needed to stand out. I won the 1vs1 against him and made him trip and he fell. All the coaches and players were super excited and from that moment I gained a lot of respect as a DB who could cover.

2.)  WHO WERE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES GROWING UP?
A: My mother.

3.)  DID YOU PLAY ANY OTHER SPORTS OTHER THAN FOOTBALL IN HS OR DURING YOUR YOUTH?  HOW IMPORTANT WERE THEY TO YOUR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AS AN ATHLETE?
A: I did some fencing for a bit around 11 years old and played middle school soccer, basketball, and flag football. But once I reached grade 8, I could only focus on football because of the position I was in. I had to put all my attention into football and study as much film as possible as I went through a lot of politics. Although, I do wish that I were able to play more sports growing up and do believe that there is great benefit exposing your mind/body to different sports.

4.) HOW IMPORTANT WAS SUMMER FOOTBALL TO YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS A FOOTBALL PLAYER?
A: Crucial, the more football you’re able to play, the better. Getting coached by as many quality coaches as you can is great for your development.

5.)  TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS WAS LIKE? WAS THERE ANYTHING YOU DID THAT YOU FELT PUT YOU IN THE BEST POSITION TO SUCCEED?
A: Very difficult. I had torn my ACL at the peak of recruiting, and I did not have enough film because of it. It took me about a year and a half to get recruited but at the end it was all worth it as I committed to University of Manitoba.

6.)  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG ATHLETES WHO ARE TRYING TO PLAY AT USPORTS LEVEL?
A: Research schools as best as you can. Contact as many coaches as possible. Most importantly, try hard in school, because if you do not have the grades to get in to the school then it does not matter how good you are. Always be respectful to coaches but show them that you can play football. The recruiting process takes time and a lot of effort, so try to be patient. Overall, this is about networking. Try your best to establish an honest, long-term relationship with these coaches.

7.) WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT GOING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY? BOTH ON THE FIELD AND OFF.
A: The culture shock between Winnipeg and Toronto. So many different people, freezing cold weather, not to mention the speed of the game.

8.) IS THERE A SPECIFIC INSTANCE WHERE YOU WERE CHALLENGED OR HAVE FACED WITH ADVERSITY EITHER ON OR OFF THE FIELD IN YOUR COLLEGIATE CAREER SO FAR?
A: Yes, there have been many. It took me about three years to get settled into the program. It was at times an overwhelming experience. It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing, but I kept trying my best to improve myself and shift the way I think. I tried to be open minded and honest. As a result, I’m very happy with my college career so far.

9.) WITHOUT THE 2020 CANWEST SEASON, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE?
A: I tore my second ACL in October, so I have been rehabbing after surgery in January. I’ve also been pursuing my rugby career as its my goal to play in both the Olympics and World cup rugby.

10.) WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN USING THE EXTRA TIME FOR?
A: I have been studying Japanese language and learning piano/guitar. As well as meditating. It is just as important to sharpen the mind as it is the body.

11.) WITH THE MAJORITY OF TACKLE FOOTBALL BEING CANCELLED AT ALL LEVELS WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PLAYERS WHO ARE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL THAT ARE GOING THROUGH THIS RIGHT NOW?
A: Find ways to workout and move your body. Don’t be afraid to email coaches at the university level for help, in regards to how you should approach getting recruited during a pandemic. It’s okay if you’re feeling unmotivated, but just take time to go outside even for five minutes to take care of your mental health. 

12.) WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY OTHER YOUNG WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOOTBALL?
A: Anybody who’s interested in playing any sport should just try it. Don’t be afraid of what some people might think or say, just find a program that is going to support you and treat you equally.

13.) KNOWING WHAT YOU KNOW NOW, IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING, TO YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: Don’t over think. Just focus on the task in front of you.

14.) WHAT DOES LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: I am pursuing playing Olympic/World Cup rugby, being an elite athlete has always been a focus. After that, I would love to coach football at a high level, wherever that leads me.