What have you been doing since graduating from Linfield?

Immediately after college, I went into education and have held positions at all levels of K-12 education. I started in 2003 as a first-grade teacher in Oregon and quickly transitioned to upper primary grades while living in Alaska for two years. After Alaska, I moved to California and transitioned to middle school working at Linfield Christian in Temecula Calif., in 2009. 

After spending the first few years in the classroom room teaching algebra, Bible, history and P.E. at different times, eventually I decided to go towards administration. I served as the Dean of Students, Athletic Director and then Assistant Principal on the middle school campus, with my last title being K-12 Athletic Director for the entire school, which was the inaugural year for that position.

After eight years at Linfield Christian, I transitioned to public education serving in the same capacity as I did at Linfield Christian. I am still working at the same site, Murrieta Mesa, going on my fifth year. I also reside in Murrieta with my six-year-old son, Carter-John. When I am not coaching his teams and chasing him around ,you can find us at my high school games with him chasing me around. 

What qualities did you learn at Linfield that have helped you prosper in your life after college?

I think the greatest quality I learned at Linfield came in the form of lessons. As a member of the basketball team Coach (Larry) Doty always looked at me as a leader and it’s a position I had to blossom into. I now find myself having served in so many leadership positions in my career, positions I would not have been ready for had I not had the opportunity to serve as a leader on the team. 

My time as the captain of the basketball team taught me how to embrace adversity, appreciate diversity, and remain steadfast to my core beliefs as a player and person. Life has a way of challenging us all and I think the year 2020 has taught us that we need strong leaders with conviction willing to be a voice of light where darkness likes to speak loudest. I am that voice in education and it’s a quality I learned at Linfield. 

What are your long-term career goals?

Hard to believe I am around 17 years in education, highlighted by promotions, championships and being recognized as Top 10 Athletic Director in the country in consecutive years in 2017 and 2018. I am not sure those were my goals going into education, things just kind of unfolded that way. However at this point, my new career goal is to become more established as a writer and author, creating stories that speak about hope for young people. I just finished my first book and I am excited to see what God has in store as this new passion and opportunity to serve others continues on. 

What was your most memorable game at Linfield? 

So many great memories. But I think Senior Night is always special for everyone. My senior year we took on Puget Sound and they were a top-10 team at the time. We took them to overtime and although we lost, to have a final battle alongside my brothers having fought the way we did is something I am still very proud of. 

What were your favorite class at Linfield?

Surprisingly, Poetry and Acting 101. Two classes that were outside of my major but served me so well within my major. In addition, the poetry class kick started my love for story-telling, which should encourage all of us to be open to trying new things. 

Do you keep in touch with anyone that you played with or were coached by at Linfield?

I stay in contact with several classmates on social media as well as Coach Doty. I am in very close contact with O.J. Gulley, B.J. Anderson and Travis Jones as they are my best friends. 

Do you keep up with the current team and the recent success that the men’s basketball program has had?

Yes, I check the box scores and very happy the team was able to return to a healthy place competitively since my time in the program. 

Have you attended any Linfield home games since you graduated?

I attended a game a few years back. It was a recognition for the 2000 team or the 1999 team, I can’t remember. It was great seeing everyone and the facility looked great.