People often ask what inspired me to start UDID Academy.

The answer begins long before UDID ever existed.

Growing up, I faced challenges with the way I processed and understood information. As a child and even into adulthood I often questioned whether I was smart enough or if something was wrong with me. Looking back, I now know that wasn't the case. I simply learned differently.

I was fortunate to have a family that never stopped believing in me. They encouraged me, supported me, and reminded me that my differences never defined my potential.

I was also blessed to have two coaches who changed my life.

They didn't expect me to fit into one way of learning. Instead, they took the time to understand me. They broke the game down differently, explained concepts in a way that made sense to me, and met me where I was. Once they did, everything changed. My confidence grew, my performance improved and I realized my potential had always been there. I simply needed someone willing to teach me differently.

That experience has stayed with me throughout my life.

It taught me that success isn't about expecting everyone to fit into the same mold. It's about taking the time to understand each person, recognizing their strengths, and believing in their potential before they fully believe in themselves.

Not every child has that opportunity.

I realized that many children and families are still searching for someone who truly sees them, someone who is patient, compassionate, encouraging, and willing to meet them where they are instead of expecting them to fit into someone else's expectations.

I was fortunate to have those people in my life, and I wanted to become that person for someone else.

I didn't want to create just another sports program. I wanted to create a place where children and families felt understood, supported, and believed in.

I wanted to create the kind of environment that changed my life, one where children are never judged by their diagnosis, compared to others, or defined by their challenges. A place where they feel seen, understood, accepted, and empowered to discover what they are truly capable of.

That vision became UDID Academy.

At UDID, we blend sports and therapy to help children of all abilities build confidence, strengthen communication and social skills, develop emotional regulation, and experience the joy of achieving something they once thought was out of reach. We believe sports are more than competition; they are a powerful tool for connection, growth, confidence, and lifelong learning.

The greatest reward isn't winning a game or mastering a new skill. It's watching a child accomplish something they were once told they couldn't do. Whether that doubt came from a doctor, a teacher, a family member, or even from within themselves, those moments remind me why this work matters.

Every milestone is worth celebrating because every child's journey is unique.

Over the years, I've learned that sometimes the missing piece isn't ability, it's opportunity.

• —Sometimes it's a coach who teaches differently.
• —Sometimes it's a family that refuses to give up.
• —Sometimes it's a community that chooses inclusion over limitation.
• —Sometimes it's simply having someone who believes in you.

At UDID Academy, we strive to be that missing piece.

My hope is that every child who walks through our doors leaves knowing they are capable, valued, and never defined by their challenges. I want every family to know they have a place where they belong, where differences are celebrated, and where potential is never overlooked.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in you to change the course of your life.

#WereTheMissingPiece