In Her Own Words: Forever A Prideful Terp

I am honored that the Athletics Strategic Communications department at the University of Maryland asked me to share my personal story of Pride. 

As many know, June is Pride month, so what an amazing opportunity to share my story. There are endless reasons I am a proud University of Maryland graduate, but my greatest comes from the school's willingness to celebrate LGBTQIA+ students, alumni, and coaches. University of Maryland Athletics has taken incredible steps to value TERPS of all identities and celebrate them as individuals, which makes my heart burst with pride.

When I stepped foot onto the UMD campus in the fall of 2002, I was unknowingly struggling with my self-identity. My feelings, at that time, were hard to define and confusing. As a student-athlete competing in one of the top women's collegiate soccer conferences, I experienced many challenges: the tough competition, a commitment to sports and studies, and the pressure to win was fierce. 

Despite this, I faced more adversity off the field as I became aware of how I identified within a community I didn't quite understand yet.

My limited understanding was simply that I was different. Different from who I was raised to be, who society believed I should be, and who I thought my friends and family expected me to be. Nearing the end of my college career, I realized my life was shaping to be very different from what I initially expected it to be. However, as soon as I felt comfortable in my own shoes and started living my truth, my teammates, friends, and family supported me every step of the way. 

I now can look back and reflect on my experience of my time as a Terp. While I was unaware of my internal battles, I also witnessed a few of my friends struggle with their stories. This allowed the dialog to shift from just being close college friends to a loving support system. We listened and learned about one another, trusted each other with our experiences, and navigated unchartered waters together. With the help of those around me, it allowed me to be open to finding my own truth. 

My friends and teammates never waivered when I came out and supported me during a very difficult yet transformative time in my life. The University of Maryland provided the safe space that allowed me to learn the deepest parts of myself and the growth into being proud of exactly who I am.

Eighteen years later, many of my Terrapin teammates remain my closest friends. Over the years, we have shared multiple celebrations, from vacations to engagements and weddings, and we have the University of Maryland to thank for that. 

We were brought into each other's life for a reason. 

While soccer may have been the initial reason for meeting, who we are, who we love, and the support we give one another has developed into lifelong friendships. 

Reflecting over the last few weeks, I have tried to put into words what Pride means to me. At this current point in my life, Pride has many meanings. Let me explain.

First and foremost, my wife's name is Pride. Yes, that is her first name. She embodies her name for all that it stands for. She is my rock, my support system, my best friend, and most importantly, the one who teaches me how to love my most authentic self each day. She has shown me what unconditional love truly looks and feels like. 

She does not hold back or shy away from sharing her truth. She puts me and our children above everything and continues to advocate for equal rights. She is my inspiration. To my wife, PRIDE, I am forever grateful for you.

This June, my wife and I took our two children to the DC Pride Parade to get a glimmer of how PRIDE (month) is celebrated in our nation's capital. Our son is seven, and our daughter is almost six. A perfect age for their first of many Pride Parades. As a couple, we believe it is essential to teach them the importance of acceptance and supporting one's differences. As a family, we identify as loving, kind, open, honest, and accepting of love in all its forms. 

The parade was one of the most amazing experiences we have shared together. Our family has always been filled with PRIDE, but that day, in particular, made us even more proud to be LGBTQIA+.

In our household, my step-children have two moms. They know they have more moms than most and that their family may "look" different than others. However, Pride and I have used this as a propellent to share even more love than they thought possible. Our kids would say having more moms is "so cool!" They love being different. They love that with two moms here, they get twice as many kisses, hugs, and cuddles. Twice as many mom moments. For those who have the best moms ever, imagine having multiple moms! 

To my (step) children, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to love you. Thank you for loving me and letting me into your hearts and lives. Your mommy and I will unconditionally love you for exactly who you are. Guaranteed. 

The world is yours, and she and I are in the front row, cheering you on forever. We love you so much, and you are the reason why I have so much PRIDE in our family and our lives together.

In addition to the Pride in my marriage and my children, Pride means being authentically myself. Being comfortable in my own skin without fear of what some may think. It has taken many years for me to live my full truth; however, I AM HERE NOW. I have grown into a proud married lesbian woman and now have so much PRIDE in who I am as a daughter, friend, woman, wife, and mother. I am me. The life I have built for myself and my family is what true PRIDE is.

The road to not just living my truth but loving myself, at times, has been very hard. There were, and admittingly still are, days when I look in the mirror and don't unconditionally love myself. However, through the unconditional love of those around me, those days are few and far between. In place of those bad days is a woman who takes great PRIDE in herself and the life she has created. 

I am proud to be part of a community that fights for the equal rights of others. I stand beside all of those who are out and proud and stand with those who haven't quite found the strength to live their truth ... yet. 

My family and I will continue to stand up for all LGBTQIA+ individuals and families and will continue to teach my children to love your children. Together as a loving community, we can make this world a better place. One with love, not hate, at the center. I am, and will always be, a Prideful Terp!