AGE: 32 Hometown: cambria, CAlifornia lives in: Bend, oregon sponsors: Skechers Performance, Recharge Sport, Backporch Coffee Roasters, Drymax, Territory Run Co., and Sporthill.
A strong work ethic learned
Where were you born and where did you spend your childhood? I was born in San Clemente, CA. After living a few years in Orange County my family moved to an avocado ranch in Cambria, CA. I spent my childhood and teenage years on this ranch.
What kind of sports or athletics did you do as a child? Did you excel or dream about someday using sports as an avenue to succeed in life? Living in a small town gives you a chance to try many sports. I had the chance to play baseball, basketball, and even football. But really my love was always soccer. I played soccer as much as I could and dreamed about becoming pro.
At what age did you discover running? I would randomly go for a run sometimes on the ranch just to get in shape for soccer. When I really started seeing running as a sport was my junior year of high school. I was having issues with a knee injury( torn ligaments) and was looking at options to rehab my knee until my body was ready to go back to soccer.
Are there any runners or athletes in your family or extended family? Or was this something you took on as your own? It’ s been mostly my own. My dad picked up endurance sports after I did, which was really fun. He doesn’ t run as much anymore because of his back but he still likes to do a lot of road cycling.
What was your family life like as a child? Life on the ranch was both difficult and beautiful. The ranch sits in the pristine Central Coast California hills, not far from the Hearst Castle. I got to run around in the forest and hills, learn manual labor, and pick avocados with my family. I believe this ranch is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
What was your neighborhood like? Was there any mentors or athletes to look up to? On the ranch there were only two families. My family and my dad’ s sister’ s family. We basically just had each other and were mentored by nature. I think a person can learn so much from simply understanding how life works and how to farm.
All about the soccer dream
At what age did you move to Bend and why? I moved to Bend at age 21 after finishing college. Mainly because my friend wanted me to check it out for him to see if he should move his family. I loved it so much I ended up staying and have now been here for eight years.
Were you a pretty good kid, did you do well in school? Did you have a rebellious side? I was a really good kid actually. I think my parents would honestly agree. Scholar athlete of the year in middle school, high school, and college. Not rebellious at all but definitely a little too into myself in my teenage years.