I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, a small town on the outskirts of the metro area. Interestingly, my first love was volleyball, a sport entirely unrelated to what I do now. Later, I followed in my dad’s footsteps and took up basketball. It seemed like a natural progression, and I experienced a fair amount of success, earning spots on national teams and scholarships to different schools.
However, life took an unexpected turn during my 7th-grade year when Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. Fortunately, we didn’t lose anything significant, unlike many others. Nevertheless, the hurricane prompted us to consider moving to the mainland United States, where more opportunities awaited. And so, in October of that year, we made the move.
At that point, I hadn’t given much thought to track and field or long-distance running. It was during a middle school physical education class that one of my coaches suggested I should try out for the track team. The idea of getting out of class early sounded appealing, so I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know that this decision would set me on a path that would shape my future.
During my freshman year, I got cut from the basketball team, which was a turning point in my life. The basketball coach, who also happened to be the head track coach, encouraged me to take track more seriously. I was fortunate to attend high school with Parker Valby, an Olympian and NCAA champion in the 5K. Her success inspired me, and I realized the value of surrounding myself with successful individuals and learning from them.
I started to embrace the running community and absorbed as much knowledge as possible from those who had achieved great things. As my high school years progressed, I decided to try cross country during my sophomore year. It was at a different school, as I had joined a magnet program. I met a training partner who became instrumental in my journey. We pushed each other through grueling workouts in the scorching Florida heat. It was during this time, around the end of my sophomore year and the beginning of my junior year, that everything began to click. I discovered my passion for running and knew I wanted to continue pursuing it at the collegiate level.
The recruitment process was a unique experience. I had the privilege of being guided by mentors who helped me navigate this unfamiliar territory. Ultimately, I had to make the decisions that would shape my future. One of the most important questions I asked myself was whether I could see myself living and developing in a particular area, not just as an athlete, but as a person and professional. It was a coach who posed this question to me during a visit, and it caught me off guard. It made me realize that I needed to consider the potential for a career-ending injury and have a plan beyond athletics. I took this advice to heart and shared it with younger athletes I mentored. It was a valuable lesson in being real with oneself and prioritizing personal growth.
The adjustment to college life was not without its challenges. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, particularly when it came to my academic journey. I initially pursued a backup major, unsure if it aligned with my aspirations. However, thanks to the guidance of my academic advisor, who I consider a second mom, I gained a new perspective. She reminded me that college is what you make of it, and those words still resonate with me today. Once I embraced this mindset, opportunities began to unfold, and I started to connect with remarkable individuals.
One of the highlights of my college experience was the opportunity to deliver the keynote speech at the freshman convocation. It was an incredible honor to address a packed auditorium of over 4,000 people. This opportunity came about after I participated in a panel discussion at an academic symposium in San Antonio, Texas. I spoke about student-athletes as employees, and my passionate arguments sparked a series of rapid-fire questions. There are times when I feel a sense of imposter syndrome, questioning why I was chosen for such a prestigious platform. However, I remind myself that I have worked hard to earn these opportunities and that my unique journey as a student-athlete has opened doors that not everyone gets to walk through.
Another significant aspect of my college experience has been my involvement in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). As the vice president and representative to the American Conference, I have the privilege of advocating for student-athletes and shaping the future of college athletics. Recently, I was appointed as the student-athlete engagement coordinator on the executive board for the conference. These roles have allowed me to contribute to the conversation surrounding student-athlete rights and representation.
Speaking of representation, I firmly believe that college athletes deserve to be compensated and have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives. Name, image, and likeness (NIL) has brought about significant changes, but it is still a relatively new concept. Many athletes are hesitant to embrace it because they don’t fully understand its implications. However, I see NIL as a stepping stone towards a collective bargaining agreement, which I believe is the future of college sports. College athletes are the driving force behind the success of college athletics. We dedicate countless hours to training, competing, and representing our universities. It’s only fair that we receive a share of the revenue generated from our efforts.
The current system often places our sports behind paywalls, limiting exposure and opportunities for growth. I believe that by recognizing the power of the athletes and investing in proper marketing, we can elevate all sports and create a more inclusive and equitable landscape. By acknowledging that athletes are employees, we can reshape the conversation and pave the way for a more fair and balanced system. We deserve to be compensated for the time and effort we put into our sports. It’s not just about gear, treatment, and facilities; it’s about recognizing our contributions and ensuring that we have the resources we need to succeed.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had as a college athlete. I owe a debt of gratitude to my advisor, who has been a guiding light throughout my time at Florida Atlantic. Without her support and guidance, I would have been lost. She has been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges and uncertainties of college life.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue advocating for athletes and pushing for positive change in the world of college athletics.
I will not stay silent.
