Small Town Beginnings:
Growing up in the small Oklahoma town of Noble, my good friend Bricen and I would spend countless hours on my old, worn couch, watching Oklahoma State and Thunder games. Specifically, Our favorite player to watch was Russell Westbrook. His emotion, tenacity, and sheer love for basketball resonated deeply with me. Watching him hustle on the court, leaving everything out there, inspired a passion I couldn't quite explain at the time. When the game wasn't on, we would head out to the driveway to recreate the moments we saw on TV ourselves. We would pretend to hit game-winning shots in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, imagining the roar of Loud City. It was in those moments that my love for sports took root, and while I didn't know how it would shape my future, all I did know was that same fire and intensity resonated deeply with me.
At the beginning of my sophomore year of high school, I interviewed for and was accepted into Mid-America Technology Center’s media program. This program prepared students for various careers in media, and it was there that my passion for sports media truly blossomed. I received my technical education and learned how to put my love for sports into something tangible. Over two years, I earned six awards in videography and marketing at both state and national levels. During this time, the genesis of my own brand called Scopes Media also was created, which focused on providing photo and video coverage for high school sports in Oklahoma. This class catalyzed my passion for capturing athletes' every move, much like the old days in the driveway with Bricen.
During my senior year, the pressure to attend college was immense. Being a "smart kid," everyone expected me to follow the traditional path. Instead, I took all my graduation money and bought my first camera. It felt like a risky decision, especially as many of my friends went off to college, but a formal education never quite felt right for me. I knew my passion lay elsewhere. I was determined to follow it, even if it meant going against the grain.
The beginnings of my business were tough. I worked for free, staying up late at night to edit videos and get them out as fast as possible. There were times I felt burnt out and exhausted from the lack of sleep, feeling like an imposter in the sports creative space, doubting if I'd ever make it. But each finished video, each athlete's story I helped tell, reignited my passion and reminded me why I started this journey.
Today, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had. From being one of three creatives chosen to cover one of the biggest AAU teams in the nation featuring NBA-level talent to covering historic championship runs for the Pottawatomie Fire and Washington Warriors, this journey has taken me to many places to feel grateful for. I work with talented high school and college athletes along with coaches and program directors of many prestigious programs across the state, capturing their journeys and sharing their stories. I never imagined I'd be at this point back in my senior year, but this is just the beginning. Every video and story is a step further in a journey that started on an old couch with my best friend. I am living my dream, and I can't wait to see where this path will take me next.
