From the moment I stepped onto Viewpoint’s campus, I could tell it was a special place. The energy, the people—students, faculty, coaches, families—immediately brought light into my world. I still remember the day I was paired with Travis Kikugawa, Director of College Bound Athletes, as the athletics liaison. We call each other Big T and Lil T. A duo that quickly became a cornerstone of my career. 

This year, I stepped into a new role as Academic Advisor for Athletic Recruiting, where I closely follow the academic progress of our athletes and coordinate support whenever it’s needed. Our program supporting student-athletes continues to grow stronger each year. Whether through monthly workshops or individual meetings, we are focused on expanding access and support around this process.

Working alongside Travis has taught me so much, from understanding the college recruiting landscape to exploring the deeper philosophy behind why we play sports. But more than any technical lesson, what stayed with me most was his approach to character and mindset. His philosophy on college athletics goes far beyond competition. Every day, he models the importance of resilience and mental strength when making the commitment to play at the next level.

Each winter, we host College Athletics Night, an event that brings together coaches, former athletes, and admission professionals to share their insight with the Viewpoint and the greater Los Angeles community. It is one of my favorite moments of the year. Our students get to hear directly from the experts. They learn how to set themselves apart in the recruiting process and hear from alumni who once sat in their seats, now thriving in college athletics thanks to the support and guidance they received at Viewpoint.

One principle we always emphasize is that you have to recruit the schools you want to recruit you. That philosophy has become the foundation of our program—a vision Travis and I share. We are working to grow the programs by increasing awareness among freshmen and sophomores, leading juniors and seniors through tasks that lead to opportunities for exposure, and fostering a community where upperclassmen can mentor younger students through their own experiences.

Our goal is simple: to build a program where every student-athlete feels seen, supported, and inspired to chase their goals—on and off the field.